1. Low-Tech adaptations for Living independently Presented by Jean Johnson & Paul Deeming

2. Overview Becoming a Creative Thinker Use of Direct Lighting Eliminating Glare Use of Color Contrast Use of Relative Magnification Marking Appliances Labeling Techniques Organizational Skills Useful Tools For Home Management Four Important Gifts 26/1/2013

3. Becoming A Creative Thinker  When living in a visual society, the challenge for the visually impaired is to think and develop non-visual ways of performing daily tasks at home.  Must become a “Creative Thinker”.  It is hard to change old habits.  Over the years we are constantly changing in order to grow and survive.  Remember, life is change! 3 6/1/2013 2

4. Use of Direct Lighting  Light shining directly on a task or work site.  Need to experiment with types and intensities:  Incandescent  Fluorescent  Halogen  Full Spectrum (Ott-Lite)  LED  Flashlight can be an effective tool around the home. Note: Lighting that enhances vision for one person may not be effective for another. 46/1/2013

5. Eliminating Glare  Place shiny objects where light will not reflect off them.  Place dark, absorbent material on reading or work surface.  Wear glare-reduction glasses.  Wear a visor.  Install window treatments:  Shear shades  Horizontal/vertical blinds  Window film (glare control) 56/1/2013

6. Use of Color Contrast  Make print or objects more visible.  Examples:  Black print on white background or white print on black background.  Black contact paper to line one side of refrigerator or medicine cabinet.  Black and white dinner or cook-ware.  Use contrasting plates, tablecloths, placemats and napkins. 6 6/1/2013

7.  Avoid busy prints or fabrics.  Paint the edge of dark steps with yellow/white or use yellow tape.  Paint cabinet doors to contrast with countertop.  Install knobs or handles of contrasting color.  Install contrasting cover on electrical outlets.  Place low tables on a different floor surface (contrasting area rug). 76/1/2013

8. Use of Relative Magnification  Definition: Bringing the object closer to the eyes.  Examples:  Bringing reading materials closer to the eyes.  Lowering wall clocks to eye level.  Placing frequently used food items on top shelves inside the refrigerator door.  Sitting closer to the television. 86/1/2013

9. Marking Appliances Keep it simple. Use color contrast if possible. Useful tools: Hi-Marks Bump-Dots Velcro (adhesive backing) Puff-Paint 96/1/2013

10. Considerations: Use Hi-Marks or Velcro for marking stove dials and thermostats. Use Bump-Dots for appliances with touch pad controls (digital oven, microwave). Use Hi-Marks, Bump-Dots or Velcro for washer/dryer. Note: Marking washer/dryer dials with clear overlays can present a problem. Tape the overlay to the dial so it will move with the dial. 10 6/1/2013

11. Labeling Techniques Useful tools for labeling household or personal items: Magic marker ( large print “homemade” labels) Puff-Paint Rubber bands Safety pins Voice label recording/playback system (Penfriend) 11

12. Methods for Labeling: Canned Foods Frozen Dinners Medications Clothing 126/1/2013

13. Organizational Skills Organize, organize and organize! Developing a simple and easy system to help you remember what you have and where things are. Return things in their place and ask family/friends to do the same. 136/1/2013

14. Examples of organizing: Use of cafeteria-style tray when preparing a recipe Use of multi-drawer storage unit Zip-Lock bags for placing coordinated accessories together Arranging furniture to facilitate walking inside the home Wearing a carpenter apron when working on a project 146/1/2013

15. Useful Tools For Home Management  Scissors Tray/plate for spillage  Set of funnels Liquid Level Indicator  Needle nose pliers Marked measuring cups  Ove glove Marked measuring spoons  One Touch Can Opener Turkey baster  Pull Ring Can Opener 156/1/2013

16. Hi-Mark/Puff-Paint 20/20 pen Bump-Dots Signature guide Velcro Check guide Digital recorder Letter guide Ott-Lite Envelope guide Power surge protector Safety pins/rubber bands 166/1/2013

17. Four Important Gifts Gifts a visually impaired individual can give to oneself: 1. Patience 2. Organization 3. A good friend to listen 4. Self-Advocacy 176/1/2013

18. Paul Deeming, M.S. Vision Loss Resources, DeafBlind Services Minnesota 612-843-3442 pauld@dbsm.org

19. Jean Johnson, C.R.T. Vision Loss Resources 612-843-3410 jjohnson@vlrw.org

20. 6/30/201220 Company Page: Vision Loss Resources @VLRcommunity facebook.com/VisionLossResources Let’s Connect!