Home Accessibility Tips for the Visually Impaired

By: Lydia Chan

When you receive word that a friend or family member that has a visual impairment will be coming to stay with you, your first instinct may be to panic. Your second instinct is to probably turn to the internet to read everything possible about how to make things safe and start to tear into things. Depending on where you get your information, these well-meaning changes may or may not be for the better. In fact, if your loved one is a senior and is struggling with basic everyday tasks like hygiene and cooking, it may be time to check into your area’s skilled nursing facilities.

Before you start to dive into making major changes, take one simple step and call the person who wants to move in. As News-Medical.Net points out, visual impairments can come in many forms, and checking in with the individual about how their vision is impacted, what they need and what works best for them will help you to make the best accommodations for them. Realabilities outlines several basic things to discuss with the person with the visual impairment to get ready for their arrival.

Light versus dark

Lifeway Mobility notes that, depending on the type of visual impairment, light can be a huge issue for both safety and comfort. Some find that the addition of extra light to spaces like stairs and corners adds to the livability of a space while those with light sensitivity need less light. Natural light sources may need to be monitored or controlled depending on their individual need for light. Even things like glare from appliances that are too shiny can be overwhelming for someone who is sensitive. Speak with a low vision specialist to determine the lighting needs of your home.

Colors and patterns

Beyond just figuring out what level of light is most comfortable for your guest, talking about how or if they can see different colors or patterns is helpful beyond basic preferences. For some with limited vision, they can see certain colors that can be used to color code things like on/off switches on appliances or even to mark hazards like a step. Bright blocks of primary colors tend to be the most useful for those who can see color.

Accommodations already in use

In doing your own research, you may find great tools to create labels in braille or gadgets to make life easier for those with limited or no vision. While these products or ideas may work out well for some, they are lost on others. The braille labels would only work for someone who reads braille but would be lost on someone who can easily see color.

The best way to help make your home accessible for someone with a visual impairment is to explore what works for them in their current home. There is a good chance they have some things that work great for them and other things they wish they could change. Being aware that your guest uses a white cane, adaptive technologies or even a service animal may impact how they will need to be able to interact with things in your home.

A big factor in determining accessibility is safety, and this goes for outside the home as well. Fencing can be an important aspect of backyard safety. When making this type of improvement, hiring the right contractors can make all the difference. Ensure you get quality craftsmanship by first researching reputable and experienced fence builders.

Visual impairments can come in many forms and include a wide range of abilities. Preparing your home for a visit by someone with some form of visual limitation means customizing changes for their individual needs. Including the house guest in the conversation about the changes to be made not only improves the overall outcome of the changes but also adds to their feeling of empowerment. Most people want to be as independent as possible, and this is no different with those with special needs.

Realabilities allows children with varying disabilities to see themselves in a positive and strong light on the television screen, iPad, computer monitor, or wherever their adventures may take them. Reach out today for more info! nava.silton@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Pixabay