Holiday Gift Ideas for the Blind
AFB Offers Tips on Giving to and Hosting Those with Vision Loss
Dec 11, 2008
Finding the perfect gift for someone with vision loss is not difficult, especially with the American Foundation for the Blind’s Holiday Gift Guide for Family Members with Vision Loss, available on the AFB website.
As with anyone on your list, gift selection starts with careful consideration of a person’s interest, such as cooking or video games. One difference in giving to the blind is that gifts often help that person remain active and independent.
AFB Gift Guide for Persons with Low Vision
Getting up and out:
- Large display or talking alarm clock
- Magnifying cosmetic mirror
- Electric razor
- Talking watch
- Multi-compartment wallet & money organizer
- Cell phone with large buttons or talking software.
Around the house:
- Phone with talking caller ID
- Large-print address book
- 20/20 pens
- Large display or talking calculator
- Large-button universal TV remote
- Portable Video Magnifier
- Movies with descriptive video narration
- Talking measuring tape
- Self-threading needles
- Large print Scrabble® board or playing cards
- Tactile dice.
Around the kitchen:
- High-contrast (black & white) cutting board
- Large-print measuring cups
- Talking microwave.
For book and music lovers:
- Audiobooks on cassette or CD
- Large print books
- Gooseneck lamp with long adjustable neck
- Books on living with vision loss, such as Out of the Corner of My Eye, by Nicolette Ringgold
- Accessible MP3 player like the iPod Nano
- CDs and iTunes gift certificates.
Making Low Vision Guests Feel Welcome
If you’re welcoming a guest who is blind or loosing their vision, there are a number of inexpensive, straightforward things you can do to make that person feel safe and welcome.
Most visually impaired people have some vision, such as the ability to see shapes or detect contrasting colors. Simple strategies for lighting, adding contrast in color and texture, and organization will make your home easier to navigate and increase your guest’s comfort and confidence.
Lighting is Crucial for Low-Vision Guests
Holiday lights and candles are everywhere this time of year, which makes it easy to remember how important lighting is for safety for people with vision loss.
- Always keep rooms well lit and provide a small flashlight for your visitor
- Consider adding night-lights to your guest rooms, hallways, bathrooms, and kitchen
- Provide adequate light for tasks such as food preparation or reading, and reduce glare
- Reposition TV sets so sun- or lamplight doesn’t bleach the screen.
High Contrast Orients Low-Vision Guests
Using contrast in your home or table decorations helps things stand out.
- Set your holiday table with dark placemats and light-colored plates or light placemats with dark-colored plates
- Place bold-colored throws on couches and chairs to make furniture easier to see
- Use dark towels in a light bathroom or vice versa
- Make stairways safer by placing a brightly colored strip of tape along the edge of each step; decorate banisters with festive colors to help it stand out.
Organize the Home for Low-Vision Guests
As decorations, dishes, and wrapping paper pile up, remember to keep things organized
- Eliminate clutter and always return key items (e.g. TV remote, keys, toothpaste) to the same place
- Provide your guest with a basket or tray to hold important belongings during their stay
- Remove tripping hazards (e.g. throw rugs, low tables, and cords) and keep walkways clear.
Finally, don’t be afraid to talk to your guest about their comfort; they might have simple suggestions that will make them happier and easier to host.
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