I think buying a typewriter is a great idea... there are lots of vintage typewriters available these days... you can find them at flea markets and antique stores, on ebay, etc. Prices range from $10 to $500 and beyond. Also, there might be community members in your area who will donate one to your mom - just put the word out that you're looking for a functioning typewriter. I'd go manual rather than electric as the manual typewriters are easier to repair and keep working.

Ribbons can be purchased on ebay or etsy, and some communities still have typewriter repair people who can make an old typewriter work like new. r/typewriters is a good resource as well.

I got a Typewriter for $20 at a local thrift store. Maybe check into yours? You could also try eBay!

How about a computer with a screen reader and a printer?

Can she write/see at all? Would a large magnifier like the old liberty scholar work for her?

There is even a kids "scientific" one that plugs into a screen/laptop

Ot would a guide ike those for signing credit cards be useful?

Here it is a handwriting guide kit from maxi aids: https://www.maxiaids.com/writing-guide-kit-with-20-20-pen-and-low-vision-paper?gclid=Cj0KCQjwm6KUBhC3ARIsACIwxBhVjz5TOvBOrORshY1exh1DllPgRJTdt71P6MePoZRv1-2bh1ZFUF8aArVvEALw_wcB

As others have mentioned, you can still find typewriters new occasionally in some of the office supply stores (maybe online only) and you can find plenty of them used. I was at a local antique dealer a couple weeks ago and saw several around $100.

It would also not be hard to get an old computer and install the free NVDA software (or just use Narrator that comes with windows). Don’t connect to the Internet (at least, not without a lot more training). Set it to open notepad (or notepad++, which you can set to automatically save) on startup. Have it connected to a simple Brother Laser printer. This would get her started using a screen reader, would allow her to get her thoughts down on paper by typing, be able to revise what she’s written, print things out as she needs to…. I have several clients that have successfully used an Internet-less old system like this great success. It is very simple, easy to learn (Because nothing else is running, it’s not randomly getting updates, don’t worry about viruses…)

What about typing it up and sending it? It doesn’t have to be a traditional looking card either. I am blind so I’ll be doing it a bit uniquely. My pride and joy.

I agree -- I think the typewriter is the easiest solution. And she probably has a preference between electric and manual. I know my mom loved the speed and ease of an electric typewriter over the manual. Better to stick with whatever she's most comfortable with.

But for her regularly-sent mail, consider...

1. Having those frequently used addresses pre-printed for her (e.g., on those Avery adhesive labels you can buy and use a template to print yourself or have done at a FedEx/Kinkos).


2. Getting her a set of labels done with her return address -- maybe even something cute and tailored to her style -- from places like Etsy.


3. Buying her a set of $1 or custom rubber stamp kits with recurring phrases/sentiments she might use in her cards or even a stamp of her $1