Personal Techniques
Here is a brief list of techniques that can be used in daily activities
Dressing
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Organize clothing by texture, size, style, color
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Arrange outfits and keep them together
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Dress in a well-lit area
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Label drawers
Visit the following links for videos about completing personal care with vision deficits:​
https://hadley.edu/workshops/women-s-personal-care-series
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https://hadley.edu/workshops/men-s-personal-care-series
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The following link provides additional reading about completing personal care with vision deficits:
https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/essential-skills/personal-self-care/
Cooking
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Wear short sleeves when cooking
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Microwave instead of boiling water
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Turn the burner on after the pan placed on top, and turn it off before removing
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Use a pizza cutter instead of a knife for cutting
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Use smart devices like a talking measuring cup
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The following link provides more information for cooking​
https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/essential-skills/cooking/safe-cooking-techniques/
Check out these videos for tips on cooking with vision deficits:
Medications
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Request large print labels
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Use prepackaged blister packs if able
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Learn to recognize pills by size, shape, and markings
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Use a magnifier to read labels
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Check out this link to more resources for sorting and labeling ​
https://visionaware.org/for-seniors/health-and-aging/managing-your-medication/labeling-techniques/
Cleaning
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Label cleaning products with large print or contrast
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Keep cleaning products separate from food
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Clean in an organized pattern (left to right ) to ensure all areas were reached
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Use multipurpose cleaners to cut down on the number of products to sort through
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Visit the following link for more tips on cleaning with impaired vision:
https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/home-modification/room-by-room/housecleaning-tips/​
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Leisure
Reading
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Increase the amount of light with extra lamps or a flashlight
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Use large print materials for low acuity or blurred vision
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E-readers have accessibility features that can be adjusted for contrast, size, font, etc.
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Magnifiers can also be used to increase the ability to read print.
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Audiobooks can be used if visual field deficits or neglect hinder reading.
TV
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Position the TV to reduce glare for optimal viewing
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TV can be positioned on the unaffected side for visual field deficits or neglect
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To magnify the screen consider a large screen TV or sit closer to the screen.
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Adjust the picture settings such as contrast and brightness
(Click the picture for leisure activity ideas)
Internet
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Use your device's accessibility features to adjust screen settings for contrast, brightness, and magnification
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Position device to avoid glare and increase the field of view
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Voice controls can be set to navigate the device
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Adjust the magnification in your browser to enlarge print
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Find more information about leisure skills and vision deficits here:​
https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/recreation-and-leisure/
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-activities-for-the-visually-impaired/4205/
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Simple Devices for Compensation of Deficits
Talk with your occupational therapist or vision specialist about these devices
Review
Why is it important to use adaptations and techniques to compensate for vision deficits due to an acquired brain injury?
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A) For safety in the home and community
B) To function as independently as possible in the home and in the community
C) To maintain a satisfying quality of life
D) All of the above
Answer: D: All of the above
What adaptations can you make?
This website has provided you with an overview of suggestions for adaptations in the home and community, and techniques for personal use. Next, make a list of changes you can begin to use for yourself or your loved one. Use the resources provided as a guide for adaptations and techniques that are relevant to your situation. Download the Vision Safety Adaptations List to get started.
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