Low-Tech adaptations for Living independently

Presented by Jean Johnson & Paul Deeming

Overview

 Becoming a Creative Thinker  Use of Direct Lighting  Eliminating Glare  Use of Color Contrast  Use of Relative Magnification  Marking Appliances  Labeling Techniques  Organizational Skills  Useful Tools For Home Management  Four Important Gifts 6/1/2013 2

Becoming A Creative Thinker

 When living in a visual society, the challenge for the visually impaired is to think and develop non-visual ways of performing daily tasks at home.

  Must become a “Creative Thinker”.

It is hard to change old habits.

 Over the years we are constantly changing in order to grow and survive.

 Remember, life is change! 6/1/2013 2 3

Use of Direct Lighting

  Light shining directly on a task or work site.

Need to experiment with types and intensities:   Incandescent Fluorescent  Halogen   Full Spectrum (Ott-Lite) LED  Flashlight can be an effective tool around the home.

Note: Lighting that enhances vision for one person may not be effective for another. 6/1/2013 4

Eliminating Glare

     Place shiny objects where light will not reflect off them.

Place dark, absorbent material on reading or work surface.

Wear glare-reduction glasses. Wear a visor.

Install window treatments:  Shear shades   Horizontal/vertical blinds Window film (glare control) 6/1/2013 5

Use of Color Contrast

  Make print or objects more visible.

Examples:  Black print on white background or white print on black background.

 Black contact paper to line one side of refrigerator or medicine cabinet.

 Black and white dinner or cook-ware.

 Use contrasting plates, tablecloths, placemats and napkins.

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6/1/2013  Avoid busy prints or fabrics.

 Paint the edge of dark steps with yellow/white or use yellow tape.

 Paint cabinet doors to contrast with countertop.

 Install knobs or handles of contrasting color.

 Install contrasting cover on electrical outlets.

 Place low tables on a different floor surface (contrasting area rug). 7

Use of Relative Magnification

  Definition: Bringing the object closer to the eyes.

Examples:  Bringing reading materials closer to the eyes.

 Lowering wall clocks to eye level.

 Placing frequently used food items on top shelves inside the refrigerator door.

 Sitting closer to the television. 6/1/2013 8

Marking Appliances

 Keep it simple.

 Use color contrast if possible.

 Useful tools:  Hi-Marks  Bump-Dots  Velcro (adhesive backing)  Puff-Paint 6/1/2013 9

 Considerations:  Use Hi-Marks or Velcro for marking stove dials and thermostats.

 Use Bump-Dots for appliances with touch pad controls (digital oven, microwave).

 Use Hi-Marks, Bump-Dots or Velcro for washer/dryer.

 Note: Marking washer/dryer dials with clear overlays can present a problem. Tape the overlay to the dial so it will move with the dial.

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Labeling Techniques

 Useful tools for labeling household or personal items:  Magic marker ( large print “homemade” labels)  Puff-Paint  Rubber bands  Safety pins  Voice label recording/playback system (Penfriend) 11

 Methods for Labeling:  Canned Foods  Frozen Dinners  Medications  Clothing 6/1/2013 12

Organizational Skills

 Organize, organize and organize!

 Developing a simple and easy system to help you remember what you have and where things are.

 Return things in their place and ask family/friends to do the same.

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 Examples of organizing:  Use of cafeteria-style tray when preparing a recipe  Use of multi-drawer storage unit  Zip-Lock bags for placing coordinated accessories together  Arranging furniture to facilitate walking inside the home  Wearing a carpenter apron when working on a project 6/1/2013 14

Useful Tools For Home Management

 Scissors Tray/plate for spillage      Set of funnels Liquid Level Indicator Needle nose pliers Ove glove Marked measuring spoons One Touch Can Opener Turkey baster Pull Ring Can Opener Marked measuring cups 6/1/2013 15

 Hi-Mark/Puff-Paint 20/20 pen  Bump-Dots Signature guide  Velcro Check guide  Digital recorder Letter guide  Ott-Lite Envelope guide  Power surge protector Safety pins/rubber bands 6/1/2013 16

Four Important Gifts

 Gifts a visually impaired individual can give to oneself:  1. Patience  2. Organization  3. A good friend to listen  4. Self-Advocacy 6/1/2013 17

Paul Deeming, M.S.

Vision Loss Resources,

DeafBlind Services Minnesota

612-843-3442 [email protected]

Jean Johnson, C.R.T.

Vision Loss Resources

612-843-3410 [email protected]

Let’s Connect!

@VLRcommunity facebook.com/VisionLossResources Company Page: Vision Loss Resources

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