January 24 - Vision Aids

While it is important to discuss the larger issues surrounding vision loss, I find that it is access to the smaller practical aids and devices that make it easier for me to live as a visually impaired person. I use several tactile aids and audible devices on a regular daily basis.

As I am typing this, I can feel the few tactile bumps I have pasted on some of the keys of my keyboard. I use these same tactile bumps on my microwave to help me navigate its otherwise smooth surface.

I use a number of audible devices. I am an avid reader and probably listen to two or three books a week on my small Victor Reader machine. I borrow these books from the CNIB Library and they are sent to me free of charge with Canada Post.

I use an audible screen reading program with my computer. As I type the words, the print is read back to me. If you send me an email, I listen to the message rather than see the print.

Probably the tool that I use more frequently than any other is my watch. When I press a small button on its side, I can hear the time. Of course, I could do the same thing with my phone, but my watch is way more convenient. That said, it is what has prompted me to write this post.

Last week when Lyle and I were at Radium Hot Springs, I managed to lose my watch. I had taken it off my wrist so that I wouldn’t lose it in the change room, and guess what...! Yes, somehow or other I must have managed to kick it out of our truck and onto the parking lot. Naturally I didn’t discover this until the next day when we were once again on the road. I spent the next several hours and days asking Lyle what time it was. My phone was of no use when we travelled through areas with no cell phone coverage.

Fortunately this story has a happy ending. We were travelling to British Columbia and unlike the CNIB sales rooms in Alberta, vision aids were still in stock in the BC regional CNIB offices. In Kelowna, the staff were excellent in assisting me with the purchase of a new talking watch. I was there on one of the very cold snowy days and a number of staff were off sick, but the two staff members who assisted me were very pleasant and helpful. I didn’t get their names, but I hope that they are reading this to hear this very big thank you from me.

For those of us who are unable to see or unable to see well, tactile and audible vision aids are a huge step towards our independence. I appreciated the easy access to these vision aids at the Kelowna CNIB Office.