Tips For Living With Low Vision
Yavapai College OLLI, Workshop R, February 22 2021
Introductions
- Susan- computing, education, Accessibility slger123@gmail.com.
- Donna – Rancher, investor, pastor DBenny39@gmail.com.
- “Catch the Vision” — “Low Vision Techies At Your Service”.
- Our helpers – Donna’s Havana (black lab) and Susan’s Corky (white retriever).
We prefer “Low Vision” term versus “macular degeneration”, “visually impaired”, “legally blind”, “visually disabled”, etc.
Caveat: Our tips are social, educational, not so medical and mostly not covered by Medicare.
Simple Every Day Gadgets
- Mark things with tactile adhesive “dots” from hardware and office stores.
- Keep files organized with Pen Friend “talking labels”.
- Orient yourself through multi-colored, motion sensitive wall lights.
- Apply your contrast sense (e.g. yellow?) for surfaces and things.
Communication and more
iPhone = Apple VoiceOver and gestures, plus magnification
- Demo: Susan calls Donna.
- Demo: Donna texts Susan.
- Demo: “siri, tell me the weather!”.
Learning Resources
- “Learn macular degeneration”audio explanation from Hadley Institute website
- Follow weekly podcasts like “Eyes On Success” interviews on people and technology.
- Join free Digital Talking Book program (call Public Library).
- Attend local West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, Catch the Vision, People Who Care meetings.
Go beyond magnification into voice
- Moving window reading and typing commands and text (Windows ZoomText).
- Total screen reading by keyboard (Windows NVDA).
- Gestures, reading from screen (Apple).
Note: You adapt to “synthetic speech” and choose voices
Getting around safely
- Visit a “low vision” specialist. doctor
- Mark home hazards with contrast.
- Use yurt feet to feel stairs, curbs, rugs, …
- Extend arms in front to bend or open doors or use warning buzzer.
- Get state rehab training for Orientation and Mobility, “white cane”.
Gradually build your life stile
- Let others help you, but don’t become too dependant.
- “low vision” is NOT “no vision” — see what you can and use all your senses.
- Change “Every*body’s home town” — explain, teach, complain.
- Enjoy well designed Yavapai College campus.
Links to above
CatchTheVision 