Lighting for people with sight loss Anthony Slater Lighting Development Manager Thomas Pocklington Trust

Summary Pocklington lighting research Practical adaptations Guidance and tools

Pocklington Research The housing needs of people with sight loss (Bartlett – University College London): – People aged over 65 – People ‘of working age’ – Identified importance of lighting Lighting for people with sight loss (University of Reading): – Questionnaires and surveys of installed lighting

Lighting in homes of people with sight loss – common findings Low levels of lighting – shadows – stairs Glare from light fittings – direct view of lamp Adaptation to different light levels – when moving from room to room Poor control – switching / dimming Lack of information on improvements

Lighting at home – approach Visits to homes of people with sight loss Discussions with user – establish user needs Assessments of existing lighting Proposals for lighting changes – Tailored to individual’s needs – Agreed with user Installation Evaluation

Implementation and evaluation Implemented in over 100 Pocklington properties – Tenanted flats and houses – Residential care home Positive evaluations meeting tenant’s needs – “…very satisfied……a great improvement” – “…lighting changes have helped a lot with the glare” – “…lighting is now flexible” – “…totally over the moon with it”

Good general and task lighting

Hallway and stairs General lighting – Good level – No glare – Reveal steps Task lighting – Telephone Good contrasts – Surfaces

Hallways

Kitchens

Bathrooms

Bedrooms

Cupboards and wardrobes

Lighting - Top tips Tasks and movement around the home Amount of light Control – switching and dimming Diffuse, even lighting, no dark shadows Multiple light points No glare – no direct view of lamp

Lighting - Top tips for adaptations Avoid disruption to decoration Use existing fixed wiring points Add lighting track for additional ceiling lights Use existing electrical sockets for task lights – Use micro-trunking for wiring if needed Convert existing twin sockets to triples

Pocklington Design Guide Habinteg Housing Association Published April 2008 by IHS BRE Press Endorsed by – Chartered Institute of Housing – College of Occupational Therapists – Society of Light and Lighting – Housing Corporation

Kitchens Efficient layout Units and worktops – Doors and handles Colour and contrast – Matt surfaces Appliances – Controls Lighting – General and task

Lighting booklet Non-technical information Lamps and light fittings General lighting Task lighting Daylight - shading Further sources of help

Good practice guide Practical guidance Adaptations Involving people Specific spaces Indoors and outside Checklists

Lighting good practice guide Lighting in new and existing homes Guidance on specification Case studies Checklists

Lighting training One day workshop Lamps & fittings Demonstrations Practical exercises Case studies Design tools

Pocklington services Forthcoming publications – Lighting implementation guide Lighting training – Specifying adaptations Consultancy – Audit existing buildings – Review designs for new developments

Summary Pocklington lighting research Practical adaptations Guidance and tools

Contact details Anthony Slater Lighting Development Manager Thomas Pocklington Trust