My girlfriend has recently become blind (diabetes). What are some ideas for activities for blind people?(self.Blind)
submitted by Darthblark
Any advice on some activities we could do to have fun? Going to concerts is something we have done since, and it's nice because it only requires hearing to have a good time. Any suggestions for things to do?
Tarnagona6 points1y ago
Most things can be adapted to be fun for someone who is blind.
I have a friend who is the absolutel best to go to museums with because she'll read my the descriptions of the artifacts (that I can't see clearly in their display cases). Some museums have audio tours, or even special tactile tours for those with sight loss where they let you touch some of the artifacts.
Many movie theatres now have described audio, via a small device that plays the described audio track in sync with the movie. I haven't tried this yet, because I haven't been to a movie in years, but want to next time I go. Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ offer described video on many of their programs now, too, if you wanted to watch something together at home.
Many sports and outdoor activities can be adapted. I like hiking/walking in the woods. I switch out my white cane for a sturdy walking stick that I can use to probe ahead of me, and go more slowly. Things like canoeing or kayaking (two person kayak) don't require sight if someone else is steering. I'd love to get a tandem bicycle so my husband and I can go biking together (I'm not really safe on a standard bicycle). I've gone running with friends to warn me of obstacles (I have some useable vision, but totally blind runners run with a guide and a tether).
Of course, someone who is blind can still enjoy a nice meal out. There's someone on this sub who goes dancing with his wife regularly. I enjoy strolling around shops, markets, or garage sales with a sighted friend. I can feel the items, and get my friend to describe colours, or whether sometihng looks like it would look good on me. Going to a coffee shop, and chatting with friends over coffee.
Basically, think of what you love to do together now. It can probably be adapted to still be enjoyable without sight.
Darthblark [OP]1 points1y ago
Thank you so much for the detailed response💛
SiriuslyGranger1 points11m ago
Most hobbies are doable as blind people. If she doesn’t know maybe look in to stuff that can clarify and psych can definitely be a hobby as well. I really got in to typology and Jungian stuff and that helped me. Though I don’t really like the new age aspects of it. But find something that can help hone in on where her preferences are. What her interests, strengths and hobbies are and what potential roads she can follow.
I also find volunteerism to be really appealing, go volunteer a lot at places, keep helping people out.
B_Bussen1 points1y ago
Do things you both enjoy. Some may take a little adaptation. I lived in Las Vegas for ten years and my sighted wife and I bboth enjoyed playing the poker machines. It became second nature for her to glance over and read me my cards left to right. Sadly, she died 12 years ago, so I lmoved back to Kansas.
VicBulbon1 points1y ago
The question should not be what are some activities for the blind, but what are the activities she enjoyed and among those, which one can still be enjoy with some adaptation and creativity, hint it is most of them.
Darthblark [OP]1 points1y ago
She has 0 hobbies and before she lost her vision she always complained of being bored and not doing anything. So now that she can't see it's even worse. So thanks for the response but honestly makes me feel alot worse. A simple suggestion of an activity that doesn't require sight would have worked just fine.
VicBulbon1 points1y ago
I understand and hope I didn't come across as being rude with that short reply. We all appreciate your effort of asking here. Well, here are some off the top of my head. Picking up a musical instrument, concerts, being a foodie or cafe hopping in general, working out, rock climbing, going to museums and exhibits where you describe, honestly there's so many that I kinda hit a wall when trying to come up with more. Although she doesn't have any hobbies, does she have any particular interests? What kind of person is she etc.
Darthblark [OP]1 points1y ago
Thank you! Sorry I snapped kinda... She's interested in music, so the concerts/picking up an instrument is a good choice I think. Also rock climbing is cool, I didn't think of that. Thank you so much!
VicBulbon1 points1y ago
No worries, being a bit stressed in this kind of situation is totally understandable, apologies from my side as well. Furthering the music theme, if not already, make sure she has portable music like when she's sighted. that of course comes hand in hand with learning to use the screen reader on her phone to access daily functions which if she is blind to the point where she needs to use voice, its more or less a requirement to learn. I use primarily Spotify, but apple music is very accessible as well. Something more adventurous that I'll put out simply because I am in it is audio as a hobby. I love putting components together, amplifiers and speakers, you can even throw in vinyl. There's such a manual feeling to it compare to just pairing your phone to bluetooth speakers, not to mention that it sounds way way better. Same with earphones and headphones, there are very good ones as well, but the hobby of stereo is obviously better for doing together. Outside of music but entertainmentwise, many movies and series today have audio description, all Netflix originals, for example come with audio description. Many theatres are now supporting it as well. Going to plays can be fun too. Hope this helps somewhat.
bradley221 points1y ago
Is she completely blind, or VI? Some people mean VI and write blind.
You could try wine tasting and food tasting.
Darthblark [OP]2 points1y ago
Thank you! This helps. She is almost completely blind. She has to be like an inch away from something to slightly see it
bradley221 points1y ago
Edit: a space.
No problem, does having her phone text set to large help? There’s accessibility options she might want to look into for larger text.
DrillInstructorJan1 points1y ago
I posted some thoughts about this earlier on today in a thread by someone who was posting on behalf of his wife and I would pretty much say the same thing here. It's not just about things to keep you occupied, it's about figuring out how to get to a point where you're occupied by having a pretty much normal life and that is totally doable. The first thing I would say is get her to a point where she can come online and talk to us here because a lot of people have found it really helpful. Is that something you can do?
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