February 9 - Vision Assistive Devices

Sometimes I can scarcely believe just how much technology has changed since my initial sight loss. At the time, finding devices or aides to help me “see better” was a real challenge. Mostly, I ended up with a drawer full of hand held magnifiers that did nothing to improve my ability to see print.

As you have likely realized from reading this blog, sight loss extends over a wide spectrum. Those of us who have limited sight don’t all see the same way. A device that works for one person might not necessarily work for another. For instance, at our last support group meeting Denis had brought an electronic magnifier. I am able to capture only one word using the magnifier and yet, Denis uses the device each night to read the local paper. I had brought along a set of large print playing cards. I need to hold these very close to see the print, but Carol was thrilled that she could see the print on the cards and could use them to play with her grandson. In turn, Carol had brought a Victor Reading machine to show the group. While this worked really well for her, the low volume was of no use to another two members who experience hearing loss. Nobody in our group reads Braille, but that would have opened up another avenue of assistive devices.

The good part about our meeting was that we were able to use the hands on approach to try out some of these small assistive devices. For someone with vision loss, and perhaps for anyone, it is very difficult to order something from a picture and a brief description in a catalogue.  Unfortunately with budget cuts, a few years ago CNIB found it necessary to close their sales rooms. This means that clients are no longer able to try out devices before purchase. Sharing in small group situations might be one way to partly overcome this deficit.

These days I feel fairly comfortable with the assistive devices that I use. I use an audible reading machine, an audible program on my phone and my computer. I have a CCTV reading machine and a hand held audible GPs. These devices and programs help me through my days of vision loss. However, the market is constantly changing and improving and I am always open to trying out new assistive devices and products.