Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What's a good gift for my newly vision-impaired husband? (self.Blind)
submitted by FlyingMeenBao
My husband has a lot of health issues and recently lost most of his vision in his right eye, has difficulty seeing in dim settings, and just got new glasses, but still can't really see well using his left eye.
He has trouble reading fine print or even print on tv screens (I'll usually read those out to him when we watch together.)
His birthday is coming up and I want to get him something that he will find useful and/or meaningful.
With all of his health issues and poor mobility, he lost most of his hobbies and now enjoys watching videos on his tablet (up close) or on a larger television. We also don't go out much because he's immuno-compromised so we can't risk COVID.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
He has trouble reading fine print or even print on tv screens (I'll usually read those out to him when we watch together.)
His birthday is coming up and I want to get him something that he will find useful and/or meaningful.
With all of his health issues and poor mobility, he lost most of his hobbies and now enjoys watching videos on his tablet (up close) or on a larger television. We also don't go out much because he's immuno-compromised so we can't risk COVID.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
PaleontologistTrue74 16 points 1y ago
Sex. The birthday kind.
Maybe a sick pair of socks too?
Maybe a sick pair of socks too?
OldManOnFire 2 points 1y ago
Because a man without eyesight is still a man.
B-dub31 8 points 1y ago
I use a set of open ear earbuds that snap onto my glasses called the Jlab Jbuds Frames. I can listen to music and video, as well as use the screen reader on my phone without taking earbuds in and out or everyone else hearing what is going on. I think Walmart and Best Buy sell them and they're like $50.
PrincessDie123 2 points 1y ago
Cool I hadn’t heard of those before, I’m not OP but I’m totally taking this suggestion for myself
B-dub31 2 points 1y ago
Give them shot. I like mine a lot.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Those are pretty cool! I hadn't come across those before. This is a good option.
gnl221 3 points 1y ago
Check out Aftershoks if you’re interested in this idea. They are bone conducting headphones. Might work better in loud environments or help to keep the privacy of what he’s listening to in quiet places. They aren’t totally silent to other people but would be better than just speakers close to his ears.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 1 points 1y ago
He has aftershocks so maybe not the jlab ones then.
gnl221 1 points 1y ago
Aftershokz is a brand. They are open ear bone conducting headphones. They have a few styles. These allow you to still fully hear your surroundings while also being able to hear the sound from you device. The jlabs seem to just be a little speaker by your ear. I would assume people around you can still fully hear what you are listening to.
bonouser826 6 points 1y ago
This could be a long reply, but I wanted to offer some things that may be useful. If he is newly visually impaired, it may be a good idea to look into home training/rehab, especially for orientation and mobility, technology, and independent living skills. Depending on where you live, there are rehabilitation programs available that can be of assistance. In many cases, trained instructors can visit your home and adapt to his needs. If you live in the US, just about every state has a similar program available.
Secondly, can he independently use and navigate his tablet? If not, it may be a good idea to explore some of the built-in accessibility features such as VoiceOver (for iOS) and TalkBack (for Android). These are completely free and can be found under Settings>Accessibility.
More help on TalkBack can be found at https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6283677?hl=en
Applevis.com is a great resource for any Apple devices and apps pertinent to people with vision impairments.
Now, on to your original question.
There are a few assistive technology divices that I use on a daily basis, as I'm blind myself. I've had some version or another of a Victor Reader Stream since I was in elementary school, and I have found it to be essential. If GPS navigation may be important post-COVID, you may consider the Victor Reader Trek which has all of the functions of the Stream plus navigation features for O&M training. It may be a bit early for this, but I would keep it in mind. On the Stream, you can download audiobooks or podcasts, record notes, and listen to music on an SD card or Internet Radio. This has been one of the most valuable devices I have had.
Another important thing, at least to me, is checking the time. Yes, smart speakers are wonderful for this, but what if the internet or power goes out? Talking clocks/watches are nice to have around the house.
If he enjoys movies, many have audio description. On your TV or tablet, on most streaming services, if you go into the audio and subtitles menu the select "English Audio Description", the movie will be audibly described.
If he enjoys books, Audible books are always nice.
If I knew some of his hobbies, I may be able to suggest more. Sorry for such a long post. I really hope this is helpful to you and your husband.
Secondly, can he independently use and navigate his tablet? If not, it may be a good idea to explore some of the built-in accessibility features such as VoiceOver (for iOS) and TalkBack (for Android). These are completely free and can be found under Settings>Accessibility.
More help on TalkBack can be found at https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6283677?hl=en
Applevis.com is a great resource for any Apple devices and apps pertinent to people with vision impairments.
Now, on to your original question.
There are a few assistive technology divices that I use on a daily basis, as I'm blind myself. I've had some version or another of a Victor Reader Stream since I was in elementary school, and I have found it to be essential. If GPS navigation may be important post-COVID, you may consider the Victor Reader Trek which has all of the functions of the Stream plus navigation features for O&M training. It may be a bit early for this, but I would keep it in mind. On the Stream, you can download audiobooks or podcasts, record notes, and listen to music on an SD card or Internet Radio. This has been one of the most valuable devices I have had.
Another important thing, at least to me, is checking the time. Yes, smart speakers are wonderful for this, but what if the internet or power goes out? Talking clocks/watches are nice to have around the house.
If he enjoys movies, many have audio description. On your TV or tablet, on most streaming services, if you go into the audio and subtitles menu the select "English Audio Description", the movie will be audibly described.
If he enjoys books, Audible books are always nice.
If I knew some of his hobbies, I may be able to suggest more. Sorry for such a long post. I really hope this is helpful to you and your husband.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Wow! Thank you SO much for all of this amazing information. He's pretty high functioning, but I also don't know what we don't know yet, so looking into services to help make our home more accessible for him is a great idea in general.
I'll work with him on some of the accessibility setting and look into Victor Reader Stream and/or Trek. The talking clock is also a great idea. I'll look into that as an option in our bedroom.
Unfortunately, he didn't have a lot of hobbies. He is more of a social person who likes/liked to meet up with friends for dinner a good meal. (He's also on dialysis right now, so his food options are limited.)
He's just lost so much over these past 2-3 years, so if I can help make it easier for him or introduce him to something new, then I'm all for it!
I'll work with him on some of the accessibility setting and look into Victor Reader Stream and/or Trek. The talking clock is also a great idea. I'll look into that as an option in our bedroom.
Unfortunately, he didn't have a lot of hobbies. He is more of a social person who likes/liked to meet up with friends for dinner a good meal. (He's also on dialysis right now, so his food options are limited.)
He's just lost so much over these past 2-3 years, so if I can help make it easier for him or introduce him to something new, then I'm all for it!
gnl221 2 points 1y ago
Netflix has a lot of streaming content with audio description. Amazon and Hulu are fairly good. HBOmax has added a lot recently. Disney plus has AD for most new titles and is starting to add it to the back catalogue. Paramount has some. I don’t have experience with peacock.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thanks for this!
Bubbly-Duck3232 5 points 1y ago
If you like board/dice games, my boyfriend got himself some pretty neat Braille dice. They’re raised so he can feel them- it’s fun for Bunco!
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 3 points 1y ago
That’s cool! We might have to move to something like this 😊
carolineecouture 5 points 1y ago
A smart speaker. I use mine for audiobooks and to read Kindle books. Also for news, timers and podcasts. A Kindle since there is less eyestrain, and you can make the font very large. Order out a fab meal?
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 3 points 1y ago
A kindle also sounds like a great idea. The larger font would be really helpful.
yoyo2718 5 points 1y ago
If he has an iPhone, how about a HomePod (or an Alexa)? So nice to have good speakers I can just talk to to get music or whatever without any fuss.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 4 points 1y ago
I was thinking about something like this. That way he doesn't have to try to type when he's searching. I do have some concerns about privacy, though.
River-Song-1986 4 points 1y ago
What were some of his favorite hobbies?
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 2 points 1y ago
He used to play badminton (there's no going back into that for him, though). And he would do some outdoors activities with his friends. However, he now gets car sick really easily, so I'm not sure if he's going to be able to do this anymore either.
DHamlinMusic 4 points 1y ago
I've got the car sickness thing from losing my vision as well, previously I only got bus sick and seasick, I found not trying to actually look out the windows helps and wearing the dark glasses if he has a pair of might help as well.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Thanks for this tip! I'll share it with him.
River-Song-1986 3 points 1y ago
I'm not sure how much Vision he has in his left eye they do make huge shuttlecocks for badminton they also might make ones that make noise so he could still play. Do you guys have any outdoor areas near where you live that he could walk to with assistance of course? That he could keep doing his outdoor activities. Feel free to message me if you want to talk more.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thank you for really trying to think of options and for the offer of chatting more. It’s very kind of you!
mantolwen 3 points 1y ago
One thing I'd like to add to all the other comments is that there are apps that have the ability to read text on objects using the device camera. My fiance, who is also visually impaired, uses one called Envision, which is on Android and iPhone. It has a 14 day free trial. He uses it to sort his beer, something I used to do for him.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 2 points 1y ago
That app sounds amazing and would likely be super helpful! I’ll look into it!
gnl221 2 points 1y ago
SeeingAi is good and free but only for iOS. There are also services like be my eyes you should look into.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Oh thank you!
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
What about buying him something really really practical like his first ever white cane.
Also if he can be declared legally blind by doctors can have a doctor certify and write this down in a letter he can get blind services. He can go to places to get training or trainers can come to him. He can reintegrate in to society with adaptation, and can have his life back, whatever it was. Blindness should not end it.\
Get him assistive tech training, orientation and mobility training, or cane training, and also independent living skills training, it will teach him how to operate as a blind person and work and do things around the house like he once did.
Also if he can be declared legally blind by doctors can have a doctor certify and write this down in a letter he can get blind services. He can go to places to get training or trainers can come to him. He can reintegrate in to society with adaptation, and can have his life back, whatever it was. Blindness should not end it.\
Get him assistive tech training, orientation and mobility training, or cane training, and also independent living skills training, it will teach him how to operate as a blind person and work and do things around the house like he once did.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you! I love this. I will look into it. With everything he’s lost, it would be great to give him something back.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, sure not a problem. They are not that expensive. Some can fold and some can. For straight canes I would say dcanes for folding ones ambutech is good.
bradley22 2 points 1y ago
Perhaps he could use voiceover on his phone, if he has an Iphone, or talkback if he has an android device give you ideas on here.
www.applevis.com is for voiceover, there's not really a site for android like applevis but if you need help; I'm sure people will.
www.applevis.com is for voiceover, there's not really a site for android like applevis but if you need help; I'm sure people will.
FlyingMeenBao [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you!
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
No problem.
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