4 tips for the blind and visually impaired for the home

Living with a visual impairment requires some adjustments in your daily life. For instance, there are several aids for the blind and visually impaired that make daily activities easier. But even indoors, there are several things you can do yourself to make life easier at home. We list 4 tips for you!

Tip from Bart: The right lighting makes a difference

If you are partially sighted, good lighting is important. And that means something different for everyone. Some like cool light, others warm light. One person may be blinded by misdirected light, while another may have no problems with this. So it is important to find out for yourself which lighting works best for you. And which lighting is most comfortable for your eyes. Think about the right light colour and brightness. The right lighting allows you to see your surroundings better. For some situations and activities, in addition to regular room lighting, it is useful to look at additional, more directional lighting. For example, for illuminating the keyboard, hobby table or kitchen.

Tip from Maritha: Junk or just important? Put it in The Crate!

You know the situation: the untreated mail lies on the table next to the door. Things that need to go upstairs are on the stairs and your keys and mobile phone are somewhere on the dining table. Everyone has their places, but especially for the visually impaired, this can sometimes be annoying. Important mail can get lost. You can trip over things lying on the stairs and where did you put your phone? So make sure you always work in a structured way. One way to do this is to keep things you can’t tidy straight away in a crate or bag. Give it a fixed place in each room and take it with you when you go to another room or upstairs. This way, you will always have your important and pending things with you. The house will not become a mess and you will know exactly where everything is.

Tip from Edwin: Make good arrangements with your flatmates

If you live with your partner, family or other residents, it is important that they also know how to deal with your low vision. Therefore, make good arrangements and be clear to each other. For sighted fellow residents, it may be very clear where the custard and the milk are, but for a partially sighted person it can be difficult to make this distinction. Structure is also an important point here. Agree with your fellow residents a fixed place for groceries, shoes and coffee cups on the table. It is most comfortable if everything in the house has a fixed place. Your flatmates will also have to do their bit here.

Tip from Annet: Adapt the furnishing of your home

It is nice to live in a house with beautiful furnishings, but for visually impaired people not everything that is beautiful is also useful. Tight vases, accessories that attract dust, furniture with sharp corners and breakable items can cause accidents. Take this into account when furnishing your home. For instance, buy sturdy plastic vases, accessories in bright and easily recognisable colours, furniture with rounded corners and items that can take a knock (or a fall). This will prevent your belongings from breaking and you from getting hurt. Also think carefully about the position of furniture and accessories in your home and never just leave drawers and cupboard doors open.