Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Hello, my father-in-law has recently been diagnosed legally blind. He has an internet connection, but that's about it. I am struggling to come up with an idea to help improve his everyday life. Any ideas? (self.Blind)
submitted by DominateDante83
AllHarlowsEve 4 points 3y ago
Definitely see about getting him connected to the state agency for the blind in your area, like the comission for the blind or the like, because they'll definitely be able to help him and arrange for products or lessons in adapting.
The only specific things I really only have because I'm blind are my iPhone and my smart grill. Other than that, anything I use is standard sighted people stuff I'd buy if I could see.
The only specific things I really only have because I'm blind are my iPhone and my smart grill. Other than that, anything I use is standard sighted people stuff I'd buy if I could see.
KillerLag 3 points 3y ago
You mentioned legally blind. Has he had a low vision assessment yet? Would magnifiers or CCTVs help? It would be difficult to get right now, though.
DominateDante83 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Hum, I'll have to ask. That is a great idea.
buckeyes4me 2 points 3y ago
Look at Maxi-aids. They have many daily living products.
B-dub31 2 points 3y ago
I love my Echo. I can ask it the time, the forecast, turn my lamps on and off, and adjust the temperature.
DominateDante83 [OP] 2 points 3y ago
Ah, he has an Alexa. I will look into the capabilities. Thank you.
Chevalier_Charlie 1 points 3y ago
What is it you're trying to improve specifically about his life? I'm assuming you mean accessibility but 'improve life' can mean many things.
DominateDante83 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
You're correct. I believe he is simply bored. I need to know what are some popular, low tech, ideas to keep him happy.
Chevalier_Charlie 1 points 3y ago
Reading some other replies in this post I think everyone has it pretty well covered.
Honestly though just listen to him and you'll be far more helpful than any tablet or knickknack you give him.
Honestly though just listen to him and you'll be far more helpful than any tablet or knickknack you give him.
gumbygirly 1 points 3y ago
If he is a PC user, right now $1 is offering their screen reader (Jaws) and zoom text software for free for a few months. It’s a great chance to try them out to see if they may be something we would want to purchase.
DaGurggles 1 points 3y ago
All of Netflix original programming has narration to support a low vision viewer to understand the scene. It plays a bit like an audio book.
Real_Space_Captain 1 points 3y ago
Are you looking in terms of entertainment for him or resources for him adapting?
DominateDante83 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
I am thinking more of general products that would make his life easier and entertainment. Sorry, I wasn't specific enough.
Real_Space_Captain 5 points 3y ago
No, I just wanted to make sure I gave you useful information :)
TV: Streaming services have voice description options now a days. Not for everything, but newer stuff tends to have them. Hulu has a whole section dedicated to voice description.
Book: If he has a library card, his local library should online audio books that he can access online.
Podcast: A TON of variety to listen to. See what his interests are and I'm sure there is a podcast for him. You can easily set those up online or a smart phone.
Videos: I recommend him watching some $1. It helps seeing someone who is blind like yourself, plus he might have some ideas for your father-in-law.
Computer: I would recommend helping him set up $1(if he has a Mac), but if he has a PC, see how much a screen reeder would be. This will allow him to use his computer by himself. Also, make sure you check out all the accessibility features on his computer so he can better use it. There might be options he doesn't even realize would help him, such as your mouse flashes when you hit a certain button so he can easily find it or changes his contrast.
Other: Many museums have free audio tours on their app that are meant for in-the museums tours. But the perk of being blind is that you don't really need to be there and you can just enjoy listening and learning. I know the Chicago Institute of Art works great. If he likes history or art, look up a museum, download their app and listen away. It works kind of like a podcast, but its weird thing that my friend whose blind loves doing.
I'll see if I can think of anything else! But there are a few ideas he can do with his computer.
Here is a couple $1 ($1 \#2) with some products for the blind, such as games.
​
Sorry for all spelling and grammar errors!
TV: Streaming services have voice description options now a days. Not for everything, but newer stuff tends to have them. Hulu has a whole section dedicated to voice description.
Book: If he has a library card, his local library should online audio books that he can access online.
Podcast: A TON of variety to listen to. See what his interests are and I'm sure there is a podcast for him. You can easily set those up online or a smart phone.
Videos: I recommend him watching some $1. It helps seeing someone who is blind like yourself, plus he might have some ideas for your father-in-law.
Computer: I would recommend helping him set up $1(if he has a Mac), but if he has a PC, see how much a screen reeder would be. This will allow him to use his computer by himself. Also, make sure you check out all the accessibility features on his computer so he can better use it. There might be options he doesn't even realize would help him, such as your mouse flashes when you hit a certain button so he can easily find it or changes his contrast.
Other: Many museums have free audio tours on their app that are meant for in-the museums tours. But the perk of being blind is that you don't really need to be there and you can just enjoy listening and learning. I know the Chicago Institute of Art works great. If he likes history or art, look up a museum, download their app and listen away. It works kind of like a podcast, but its weird thing that my friend whose blind loves doing.
I'll see if I can think of anything else! But there are a few ideas he can do with his computer.
Here is a couple $1 ($1 \#2) with some products for the blind, such as games.
​
Sorry for all spelling and grammar errors!
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