If you live with or know someone who has a visual impairment, you may find the information on this page useful. Below, you'll find adaptive ideas you can apply to a variety of everyday situations. If there is an adaptive idea you're looking for that you can't find here, e-mail us and we'll do our best to help you out. |
Locations • Reading • Writing • In the Kitchen • Telling Time/Date • Clothing Identification/Repair • Grooming • Eating • Recreation/Leisure Activities |
Reading Options:
• The talking Newspaper is a program staffed by volunteers who read local newspapers. This information can be accessed via the telephone at no charge. In Western PA, dial (724)
347-5501 daily to hear the Sharon Herald.
• A variety of large print, braille, twin vision, and audio materials are available in the community and from agencies serving the visually impaired.
• Prescription and non-prescription magnifying devices may help with reading standard print. They may include hand-held, microscopic, telescopic and electronic magnification devices.
• Bold pens and bold-line paper are available to individuals with low vision.
• Memorizing the phone buttons (using a home row), placing raised dots on the "0" or "5", tying a knot on the 5 on a rotary phone may make it easier to use the telephone.
• Illumination near the phone may also prove beneficial
• Most telephone companies offer free directory assistance to visually impaired persons.
• Point out differences in clothing styles (blue blouse has small round buttons, brown blouse has large buttons and collar, etc.)
• A tactile or large print marking system can be used to identify clothing.
• Keep matched outfits on the same hanger; pin matching socks together.
• There are many devices and techniques to assist with hand and machine sewing (ie: devices to thread needles and machine, adapting the machine, use of adaptive patterns, raised seam guides, etc.).
• There are tactile methods for grooming, managing medications, etc.
• Use color contrast and avoid busy prints or patterns on plates, placemats, tablecloths, etc. to make it easier for the individual to locate items.
• To locate items on the table, start at the edge of the table, (using the fingertips pointed down) move hands slowly forward while keeping contract with the table. Chances of knocking over objects are reduced when this method is used.
• Types of food can be identified on the plate by tapping the surface of the items (ie. Mashed potatoes are soft, meat has a harder surface).
• Use a "clock method" to explain the location of food on the plate (pork chop is at 6 o'clock, peas at 3, etc.).
• Use a "pusher" to keep food on the plate. Use a bowl for salad instead of a salad plate.
Tips for feeding a person that cannot feed themselves:
• Mention what is being served for the meal before you begin.
• Tell the person what kind of food you are serving in each bite so it will not be a surprise.
• Adaptive methods and equipment can make it possible for individuals with a visual impairment to participate in sports and crafts.
- It will not damage a person's eyes to sit close to the TV in order to see the screen. TV screen enlarging devices are available. Glare may be reduced by shading a window or by moving a light away from the
screen.
© 2005 Keystone Blind Association
• Talking Books is a program sponsored by the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. This program provides all types of books and magazines recorded on records and cassette tapes as well as musical scores, large print and braille books. All materials and equipment are available at no charge, on loan to anyone unable to read standard print.
Writing Options:
• Many styles of writing guides are available to enable a person to sign his or her name on forms, write letters and checks, and to address envelopes.
Telephone Use:
• Large or raised print telephone dials, large print, braille, and talking telephones are available.
In the Kitchen:
• Many specially designed devices and techniques can make meal preparation easier. There are many methods for labeling and organizing food and kitchen equipment.
Telling Time/Date:
• Large print, talking and tactile watches, clocks and calendars are available from a variety of sources.
Clothing Identification/Repair:
• Illumination near or inside the closet is helpful to distinguish clothing colors.
Grooming:
• Magnifying mirrors of varying strengths are available to help with shaving or make up application. Lighting is also important.
Eating:
Listed below are some suggestions if someone is experiencing difficulty with eating. Unless a person has other health problems, vision loss alone is not a good reason to be fed by someone else.
• The person should sit "square" to the edge of the table.
• Tell the individual who you are when you sit at the table. Also mention to the person that you are there to assist them with their meal.
Recreation/Leisure Activities:
• A variety of large print/braille playing cards, bingo cards, and board games are available.