There are many activities you can enjoy in and around your own home, sometimes with a little adaptation or special equipment available from RNIB or elsewhere. Here are some examples of popular pastimes and ways in which we can help you to continue them.
Gardening
Gardening is a popular and relaxing pastime that you can continue or start to enjoy when you have sight loss. You can find plenty of information and support on our Gardening page.
Radio
DAB offers a wider choice of programming with more radio stations: national, local and regional catering for all kinds of interests and groups of people. It also gives hiss-free sound and many DAB radios also have features including information about the channel or the ability to pause and rewind live radio.
RNIB commissioned research from i2 Media research and Ricability which looked at how easy digital radios are to use for blind and partially sighted people, people with dexterity problems or dyslexia.
Read the
DAB radio research results which show that simple changes could make a big difference but amongst many poor designs, there are some good products already available.
Alternatively, contact the RNIB helpline , telephone 08456 01 01 81 or email
audiodescription@rnib.org.uk
Television and DVD
If you have a sight problem, activities such as watching television or a DVD can be very frustrating.
Much of the meaning of a TV programme or film can be lost if you can't see the action or facial expressions. We can offer advice on how to make it easier access to
television and
DVD at home with certain equipment and
audio description.
We can also offer advice on
TV Licence concessions for blind people.
DIY
If you are a DIY enthusiast or want help with simple household tasks such as changing a fuse, then our publication,
Do it for Yourself - An Introduction to DIY for people with sight problems is just for you.
This booklet contains helpful hints about doing DIY safely and effectively. It also gives pointers on how to organise work space and tools.
For more information or to buy a copy please contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0303 123 9999, email
cservices@rnib.org.uk or visit our
Online Shop.
Cookery
If you enjoy cooking but find it difficult, we can help. Making simple changes to the equipment you use can make a big difference. This could include using brightly coloured utensils, talking scales and timers and tactile markings on buttons. Our Online Shop sells many practical kitchen utensils and gadgets, as well as recipe books.
Adapting the lighting in your kitchen to improve the contrast can also help.
For more tips on making things easier in the kitchen, listen to our podcast on Cooking for people with sight problems. And Vegetables for vision offers a suggestion for a tasty and healthy seasonal dish.
Puzzles and games
RNIB produce and sell puzzles and crosswords in braille or large print. We also have a wide range of adapted games and toys for everyone to enjoy! Popular family favourites include Scrabble, Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4 and Monopoly.
For information on our wide range of toys, games and puzzles, please contact RNIB Customer Services, telephone 0303 123 9999, or visit our Online Shop.
Reading
Many books are available in large print or on tape from local libraries.
Or you could become a member of the popular RNIB Talking Book Service, which can supply a huge range of books in audio format. Telephone 0303 123 9999 for more information.
Our National Library Service can lend books in either large print or braille, and Talking Newspaper Association of the UK (TNAUK) produces a wide range of magazines and journals on cassette.
Find out more by visiting our reading section.
Sewing and knitting
Needlecraft and knitting can be made more accessible through a range of gadgets and accessories such as large print patterns, needle threaders or knitting gauges. Contact Customer Services, telephone 0303 123 9999 or email cservices@rnib.org.uk for more information on on needlecraft accessories.
Many local societies run knitting or needlework groups which give support and advice - search the Sightline Directory to find one near you.