Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Gadgets and tips for a newly blind person? (self.Blind)
submitted by Barbiek08
My formerly-sighted elderly father is now nearly blind. Do you have any gadgets or things to help make getting around and finding specific items around the house easier that you would recommend?
CloudyBeep 3 points 2y ago
He should receive training in nonvisual skills. Where does he live so we can suggest organizations that may be able to assist?
Barbiek08 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
He lives in Mt. Zion, Illinois. If you could recommend something in the area that would be great! Thank you!
CloudyBeep 1 points 2y ago
As a starting point, contact Second Sense and the Chicago Lighthouse and register him with the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois and his local talking book library (find the local library at https://loc.gov/nls/).
AllHarlowsEve 1 points 2y ago
I always recommend making things have a home. Keep the remote on the coffee table, use a silverware tray in a drawer, etc. It helps me a lot and my memory is garbage.
I'm not a fan of the NFB for a wide variety of reasons, but I agree with getting him hooked up with his local talking book library and possibly the Lighthouse for the Blind. I'd also contact the Beureau of Blind Services, and consider a smart phone or tablet. I found that the iPhone was really easy to learn the screen reader on and there's a ton of resources for blind folks using it, but obviously that depends on his willingness and ability to learn it. The audio only assistants like Alexa and Google Home are also great, but again, it depends on what he needs or wants.
I'm not a fan of the NFB for a wide variety of reasons, but I agree with getting him hooked up with his local talking book library and possibly the Lighthouse for the Blind. I'd also contact the Beureau of Blind Services, and consider a smart phone or tablet. I found that the iPhone was really easy to learn the screen reader on and there's a ton of resources for blind folks using it, but obviously that depends on his willingness and ability to learn it. The audio only assistants like Alexa and Google Home are also great, but again, it depends on what he needs or wants.
DogsSureAreSwell 1 points 2y ago
What cloudybeep said. Meeting the local community would let him play with devices and meet some folks.
That said: "nearly" is a key word. There are devices to route imagery to residual vision, a la https://www.cnet.com/news/esight-video-glasses-restores-sight-legally-blind-star-trek-visor-headset/
And there are services (Aira) that you can call and hold up your phone, and a sighted operator will describe the scene and talk you through whatever you want.
That said: "nearly" is a key word. There are devices to route imagery to residual vision, a la https://www.cnet.com/news/esight-video-glasses-restores-sight-legally-blind-star-trek-visor-headset/
And there are services (Aira) that you can call and hold up your phone, and a sighted operator will describe the scene and talk you through whatever you want.
Barbiek08 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you! I'll look into the devices and into Aria.
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