Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Elderly family member becoming blind. Suggestions for preparing? (self.Blind)
submitted by [deleted]
[deleted]
Envrin 2 points 3y ago
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I can recommend that liquid level indicator mentioned above, and I have one.
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I can also recommend the Pen Friend at:
$1
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I use it for spices myself, but there's all sorts of uses such as make up if they're female, etc.
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Do they have a microwave? If so, what kind? Are they going to be able to use it blind? One I had was just a simple dial for the timer, so that was enough enough. The one now I can use well enough but not totally -- I use know there's 3 buttons that stick out at the top. Middle is reheat, right-most is cook (press multiple times to increase time).
​
Coffee maker? No idea what the one we have is called, but it's helpful, as I don't have to pour. It's one of those single serving ones, so you just put this little circular pack in the top, put your mug under, press the button, and that's it. It'll spit out the coffee into the cup for you.
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Do they use a computer? If yes, and if it's a laptop, an external large keyboard as typing on a laptop just doesn't work for a blind person -- we need to feel the keys of a large keyboard. Then get a screen reader installed, and begin learning how to navigate the computer with it. I know from experience, learning how to navigate a computer via screen reader after you've went blind is an absolute pain in the ass.
​
I love cooking, so I continue to cook normally. However, heard many blind people really like the George Foreman Grill, as it will cook things on both sides, hence they have to flip anything in a pan with oil. Sandwich maker and things like that may be helpful as well.
​
Is online grocery shopping and delivery available where you are? For me at least, shopping is probably the single largest issue with being blind (well, aside from work and making money, haha). If it is available, get all setup with accounts, favorite lists if possible, learn how to navigate their online system via screen reader, etc.
​
If they're ok with it (ie. not too old), grab an iPhone, and begin learning how to use it via voice commands with Siri. Would highly recommend installing WhatsApp for them, and that goes for anyone who wishes to remain in contact with them. WhatsApp is simply superior for blind people compared to other IM apps, as I can just tell my phone, "send WhatsApp message to John hey, are you still coming for dinner tonight?", and it will send fine whereas the other apps don't allow sending text messages via voice.
​
Ummm, what else? Can't think of anything, but feel free to ask any questions you may have.
I can recommend that liquid level indicator mentioned above, and I have one.
​
I can also recommend the Pen Friend at:
$1
​
I use it for spices myself, but there's all sorts of uses such as make up if they're female, etc.
​
Do they have a microwave? If so, what kind? Are they going to be able to use it blind? One I had was just a simple dial for the timer, so that was enough enough. The one now I can use well enough but not totally -- I use know there's 3 buttons that stick out at the top. Middle is reheat, right-most is cook (press multiple times to increase time).
​
Coffee maker? No idea what the one we have is called, but it's helpful, as I don't have to pour. It's one of those single serving ones, so you just put this little circular pack in the top, put your mug under, press the button, and that's it. It'll spit out the coffee into the cup for you.
​
Do they use a computer? If yes, and if it's a laptop, an external large keyboard as typing on a laptop just doesn't work for a blind person -- we need to feel the keys of a large keyboard. Then get a screen reader installed, and begin learning how to navigate the computer with it. I know from experience, learning how to navigate a computer via screen reader after you've went blind is an absolute pain in the ass.
​
I love cooking, so I continue to cook normally. However, heard many blind people really like the George Foreman Grill, as it will cook things on both sides, hence they have to flip anything in a pan with oil. Sandwich maker and things like that may be helpful as well.
​
Is online grocery shopping and delivery available where you are? For me at least, shopping is probably the single largest issue with being blind (well, aside from work and making money, haha). If it is available, get all setup with accounts, favorite lists if possible, learn how to navigate their online system via screen reader, etc.
​
If they're ok with it (ie. not too old), grab an iPhone, and begin learning how to use it via voice commands with Siri. Would highly recommend installing WhatsApp for them, and that goes for anyone who wishes to remain in contact with them. WhatsApp is simply superior for blind people compared to other IM apps, as I can just tell my phone, "send WhatsApp message to John hey, are you still coming for dinner tonight?", and it will send fine whereas the other apps don't allow sending text messages via voice.
​
Ummm, what else? Can't think of anything, but feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Laser_Lens_4 1 points 3y ago
I've never tried using voice to do those sorts of things. Siri can't do texts via iMessage?
Voiceover on Mac OS is a pretty good screen reader. It has a much shallower learning curve than something like nvda or jaws for Windows so that could be a good option as well if they want to keep using a desktop. Used Macs on a website like eBay are still annoyingly expensive but significantly cheaper then a brand new one. I love nvda but I can't deny that voice over is a hell of a lot easier to learn, especially without instruction.
Voiceover on Mac OS is a pretty good screen reader. It has a much shallower learning curve than something like nvda or jaws for Windows so that could be a good option as well if they want to keep using a desktop. Used Macs on a website like eBay are still annoyingly expensive but significantly cheaper then a brand new one. I love nvda but I can't deny that voice over is a hell of a lot easier to learn, especially without instruction.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
Envrin 1 points 3y ago
Ohh, Siri can do SMS texts via voice. That's just "send message to John blah blah".
For IM apps though, it all depends on the app and whether or not they've developed integration with voice commands into it. Only one that I've found that works decently is WhatsApp.
Others like Skype, Telegram, and so on don't work at all and will just tell you, "Sorry, Skype hasn't added that into Siri". Then you're stuck saying "open skype", and screwing around for 10 mins looking for the contact, textbox, dictate button, send button, etc. Pain in the ass, hence why I love WhatsApp.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
buckeyes4me 1 points 3y ago
This website has many adapted devices for daily living https://www.maxiaids.com.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
OutWestTexas 1 points 3y ago
Do they live alone? Do they still have to do meal prep? Is their hearing still okay? There are lots of assistive devices. A talking clock is nice to have. A liquid level indicator if they pour hot liquids. Go online and look at a couple assistive device catalogs to get more ideas
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
OutWestTexas 1 points 3y ago
https://carroll.org/product-category/canes/
And if they are open to it, mobility training is very important. It can save them from falling outside the home.
And if they are open to it, mobility training is very important. It can save them from falling outside the home.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 3y ago
[deleted]
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