Helpful Tips
Remember
Keep things orderly. Organization will help you locate items.
Proper lighting is very important. Adjust the light accordingly to the activity you are doing. Use natural daylight when possible.
Color contrast can make mainly tasks easier. Use light objects against dark backgrounds and dark objects against light backgrounds. Use the colors you see best.
Proper lighting is very important. Adjust the light accordingly to the activity you are doing. Use natural daylight when possible.
Color contrast can make mainly tasks easier. Use light objects against dark backgrounds and dark objects against light backgrounds. Use the colors you see best.
Tips for Eating
Use the contrast rule for setting the table: light dishes need dark place mats or table cloth. Dark dishes should be on a light background. Use solid table cloths or place mats only, patterns can be confusing.
If proper lighting allows you to see the food on your plate, then use it! Place a high intensity lamp by your seat to illuminate your plate
To aid in locating the position of different foods on the plate, use a clock system. The location of the food will correspond to the number on the face of the clock. For Example, Pork at the top of the plate will be at twelve ‘o clock, peas at the bottom of the plate would be at six’ o clocks, and so on.
If proper lighting allows you to see the food on your plate, then use it! Place a high intensity lamp by your seat to illuminate your plate
To aid in locating the position of different foods on the plate, use a clock system. The location of the food will correspond to the number on the face of the clock. For Example, Pork at the top of the plate will be at twelve ‘o clock, peas at the bottom of the plate would be at six’ o clocks, and so on.
For the Kitchen
When pouring dark liquids (like coffee), use a light colored cup. The light colored cup should on a dark colored background.
When pouring light liquids (such as milk), use a contrasting colored cup which is placed on a light background.
To pour water, use a dark colored glass. Listen for the sound to change as the cup is being filled.
Trays or place mats are helpful to create a contrasting background on countertops. Use a dark cutting board for light foods: a light board for dark food.
Use brightly colored paint, vinyl, or tape on cupboards, cabinets, drawers, handles, etc, to help in visually locating the
Use brightly colored paint or tape on handles of kitchen equipment or utensils. For Example: a bright strip of tape on a measuring cup handle will help locate the handle.
Use a pot with a flat color (other than aluminum) on the inside.
Kitchen dials can also be marked with bright, contrasting tape. Mark the oven dial at the temperature most frequently used, or use several different contrasting colors for different temperatures.
Use a timer; it will be easier than trying to visually check some of the items you are cooking.
Color code recipe cards. For Example, one color meat, another for poultry, and another for desserts.
Rewrite favorite recipes on index cards in large print with a black felt tipped pen.
Label groceries by rewriting the name of the item on light colored matte paper with a black felt tipped pen, and then secure the label with a rubber band or tape.
Keep the kitchen organized! Be the one in charge of putting the groceries or other item s away.
When pouring light liquids (such as milk), use a contrasting colored cup which is placed on a light background.
To pour water, use a dark colored glass. Listen for the sound to change as the cup is being filled.
Trays or place mats are helpful to create a contrasting background on countertops. Use a dark cutting board for light foods: a light board for dark food.
Use brightly colored paint, vinyl, or tape on cupboards, cabinets, drawers, handles, etc, to help in visually locating the
Use brightly colored paint or tape on handles of kitchen equipment or utensils. For Example: a bright strip of tape on a measuring cup handle will help locate the handle.
Use a pot with a flat color (other than aluminum) on the inside.
Kitchen dials can also be marked with bright, contrasting tape. Mark the oven dial at the temperature most frequently used, or use several different contrasting colors for different temperatures.
Use a timer; it will be easier than trying to visually check some of the items you are cooking.
Color code recipe cards. For Example, one color meat, another for poultry, and another for desserts.
Rewrite favorite recipes on index cards in large print with a black felt tipped pen.
Label groceries by rewriting the name of the item on light colored matte paper with a black felt tipped pen, and then secure the label with a rubber band or tape.
Keep the kitchen organized! Be the one in charge of putting the groceries or other item s away.
More Helpful Hints
Use magnifying mirrors to help with shaving and makeup.
Hanging a towel on the wall opposite the bathroom mirror can be used to provide a contrasting background for brushing hair. When choosing a shower curtain, a clear plastic one (with a design as one chooses) allows more light for showering
Use brightly colored tape on such household items as the thermostat, electrical outlets, light switches, and drawstrings on drapes. Such color contrast will help in locating their position.
Steps and stairs inside and outside your home should have the leading step colored with tape or paint for easier visibility.
When placing furniture in a "conversational setting", consider the most comfortable distance for conversation. Chairs placed to far apart may be beyond the visual comfort of the low vision individual.
If your furniture does not contrast with its surroundings, place a plant or bright object near the furniture corners to provide clues of their location.
Avoid patterned tablecloths or upholstery. They make it difficult to locate objects that may be placed on or near them
Hanging a towel on the wall opposite the bathroom mirror can be used to provide a contrasting background for brushing hair. When choosing a shower curtain, a clear plastic one (with a design as one chooses) allows more light for showering
Use brightly colored tape on such household items as the thermostat, electrical outlets, light switches, and drawstrings on drapes. Such color contrast will help in locating their position.
Steps and stairs inside and outside your home should have the leading step colored with tape or paint for easier visibility.
When placing furniture in a "conversational setting", consider the most comfortable distance for conversation. Chairs placed to far apart may be beyond the visual comfort of the low vision individual.
If your furniture does not contrast with its surroundings, place a plant or bright object near the furniture corners to provide clues of their location.
Avoid patterned tablecloths or upholstery. They make it difficult to locate objects that may be placed on or near them
Money Identification
Simple tricks may help you identify diff rent types of currency. $1.00 Leave flat $5.00 Fold in half width-wise $10.00 Fold in half length-wise $20.00 Fold in half width-wise and length-wise