Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Question for the blind/legally blind community (self.Blind)
submitted by Iyarko
My S/O of 10 years recently went through the worst year of her life. She went from 20/20 vision and perfect mobility to barely being able to see at all and losing the majority of feeling in her feet and toes. Glasses are not an option as we've tried everything we possibly could; most recently visiting a neuro-opthalmologist. She is still able to move around the house on her own, but she has had a couple of major falls recently - the last fall caused a subdural hematoma ):
I'm wondering if there are any devices/gadgets/technology that you or a loved one has found helpful with lack of vision and/or unstable mobility. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you :D
I'm wondering if there are any devices/gadgets/technology that you or a loved one has found helpful with lack of vision and/or unstable mobility. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you :D
[deleted] 10 points 2y ago
[deleted]
Iyarko [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I will look into this first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you so much!!!
maid-of-outer-space 6 points 2y ago
This same situation happened with my SO of 13 years, back in June of 2020 he lost the majority of his vision and also experiences numbness in his hands and feet (among other symptoms). He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after having a spinal tap and seeing a neuro ophthalmologist. Luckily, his mobility is still relatively good, but not perfect. You have my deepest sympathies.
We've been learning how to use screen readers on various devices, he uses the "Talkback" accessibility feature on his Android phone the most. It takes a little getting used to but it's improved his quality of life tremendously. We are in the process of getting a white cane for him to use when he leaves the house, and are going to test out a strong magnifying glass soon to see if it helps at all. There's also an Android app called "Bixby Vision" which has helped him identify things and read text in the real world.
If you ever need anyone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out.
We've been learning how to use screen readers on various devices, he uses the "Talkback" accessibility feature on his Android phone the most. It takes a little getting used to but it's improved his quality of life tremendously. We are in the process of getting a white cane for him to use when he leaves the house, and are going to test out a strong magnifying glass soon to see if it helps at all. There's also an Android app called "Bixby Vision" which has helped him identify things and read text in the real world.
If you ever need anyone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out.
Iyarko [OP] 2 points 2y ago
I would also say her mobility is relatively good, but not perfect. That describes it much better than 'lack of mobility. I'm going to edit my post to reflect that.
My SO has been using a few Accessibility features on iOS like Text to Speach that she uses for texting and reading Facebook posts. I'm still looking for something that would work for text within an image (Snapchat, memes) because she would love that!!
Also, thank you so much for commenting on this. My sympathies go out to you and your SO as well. Would you mind if I DM'd you a couple of questions?
My SO has been using a few Accessibility features on iOS like Text to Speach that she uses for texting and reading Facebook posts. I'm still looking for something that would work for text within an image (Snapchat, memes) because she would love that!!
Also, thank you so much for commenting on this. My sympathies go out to you and your SO as well. Would you mind if I DM'd you a couple of questions?
maid-of-outer-space 2 points 2y ago
I don't mind answering any questions, DM away! I've found some blind content creators on TikTok or YouTube are very helpful for tips and tricks on living with visual impairment. A few channels/people worth following:
"Blind on the Move" - This man is an instructor for the blind, with a visual impairment in one eye himself. He has videos on things like how to use a white cane in various situations and how to make things generally more accessible (with the help of high contrast tape or bump stickers, for example).
Molly Burke - A completely blind YouTube creator and motivational speaker. She has videos on things like accessibility gadgets and how to do your makeup blind, we learned a lot about seeing eye dogs from her. She lives independently and has some great advice and tips.
Lucy Edwards - She is also completely blind and works as a freelance journalist in the UK. She's been very helpful in teaching us how to do everyday things easier while blind, and her bubbly demeanor always gives us assurance that things are going to be okay.
I hope you find these helpful too!
"Blind on the Move" - This man is an instructor for the blind, with a visual impairment in one eye himself. He has videos on things like how to use a white cane in various situations and how to make things generally more accessible (with the help of high contrast tape or bump stickers, for example).
Molly Burke - A completely blind YouTube creator and motivational speaker. She has videos on things like accessibility gadgets and how to do your makeup blind, we learned a lot about seeing eye dogs from her. She lives independently and has some great advice and tips.
Lucy Edwards - She is also completely blind and works as a freelance journalist in the UK. She's been very helpful in teaching us how to do everyday things easier while blind, and her bubbly demeanor always gives us assurance that things are going to be okay.
I hope you find these helpful too!
bradley22 1 points 2y ago
What phone does she have? The latest ones have a reading text in images feature under settings/accessibility /voiceover/VoiceOver Recognition it isn’t the best but it’s something.
Can she go to an eye doctor to see if there’s anything they can do?
There’s applevis.com for apple products.
There’s nvda for windows but I’d recommend a teacher for the blind help her with that.
Can she go to an eye doctor to see if there’s anything they can do?
There’s applevis.com for apple products.
There’s nvda for windows but I’d recommend a teacher for the blind help her with that.
Nate_Tup 6 points 2y ago
To read writing or signs I recommend if she has an iPhone to get the Seeing AI. Also, get a cane that way she can feel her way through areas.
Iyarko [OP] 3 points 2y ago
I can't thank you enough for suggesting the Seeing AI app. I've never heard of that before and found $1. She has an iPhone and this will help her SO MUCH!!!
I suggested a cane previously, but she says she doesn't need it. I really think it would be beneficial, especially when it's dark. Even though she 'doesn't need one, I'm going to get her one anyway. Maybe she'll warm up to it. Thank you so much for your comment.
I suggested a cane previously, but she says she doesn't need it. I really think it would be beneficial, especially when it's dark. Even though she 'doesn't need one, I'm going to get her one anyway. Maybe she'll warm up to it. Thank you so much for your comment.
siriuslylupin6 1 points 2y ago
A cane is good but maybe she has to get rid or over of the denial.
IronDominion 4 points 2y ago
I agree with a lot of replies here. Also check with the state if trey can provide vocation, orientation and mobility, or technology training. The exact department depends on state, and some have stipulations regarding work/education, but it’s something to look into as well. There’s a lot of tech out there, and a iPhone is by far the most versatile way to start.
siriuslylupin6 2 points 2y ago
Interesting sounds pretty bad. I would say reach out to your state, they can provide ils skills and mobility and orientation skills. Will have to learn to adjust and adapt.
Most of how I do things include tactile and senses but if numbness is an issue she’ll have to learn to deal with that as well.
Most of how I do things include tactile and senses but if numbness is an issue she’ll have to learn to deal with that as well.
IShouldHaveKnocked 2 points 2y ago
That sounds like a huge adjustment for you both.
Depending on where you are, there may be a medical supply store or accessibility supply store. We have a place called [statename] Industries for the Blind and you can test their things. Some medical colleges (I think university of Alabama. Birmingham Medical School and somewhere in Maryland) have vision rehabilitation specialists to help you out.
My SO found bump dots really helpful for the microwave and other common buttons in the house like on remotes and the stove. They’re textured stickers of various sizes and colors that you stick on things to use as a ‘landmark.’ He also increases contrast on his screens.
There’s an app called Aria I believe that you can subscribe to for 1-on-1 ‘be my eyes’ thing. There’s another free one called Be My Eyes I think and an app to read your prescriptions. Electronic screen readers are popular too, and table top magnifying glasses.
Fun fact, if they wants to vote, many states either let them do mail in voting or provide special accommodations for in person voting.
It will be a lot of trial and error until you guys get to a semblance of a solution. Good luck guys, you’ll get through this
Depending on where you are, there may be a medical supply store or accessibility supply store. We have a place called [statename] Industries for the Blind and you can test their things. Some medical colleges (I think university of Alabama. Birmingham Medical School and somewhere in Maryland) have vision rehabilitation specialists to help you out.
My SO found bump dots really helpful for the microwave and other common buttons in the house like on remotes and the stove. They’re textured stickers of various sizes and colors that you stick on things to use as a ‘landmark.’ He also increases contrast on his screens.
There’s an app called Aria I believe that you can subscribe to for 1-on-1 ‘be my eyes’ thing. There’s another free one called Be My Eyes I think and an app to read your prescriptions. Electronic screen readers are popular too, and table top magnifying glasses.
Fun fact, if they wants to vote, many states either let them do mail in voting or provide special accommodations for in person voting.
It will be a lot of trial and error until you guys get to a semblance of a solution. Good luck guys, you’ll get through this
siriuslylupin6 1 points 2y ago
Try maxiaids.com
Iyarko [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Bump dots is something I haven't thought of. That would be very beneficial for several things around the house for her. I'm curious if adjusting the contrast on her screen will help. She's sleeping now, but I'm excited to give that a shot in the morning and see what she thinks. I just searched and was able to find a '--- Industries for the Blind' around an hour from where we live! Thank you for all of your suggestions and for the positive vibes. It's greatly appreciated!
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