Daily Life

How do people with sight problems do everyday things?

Summary: Simple techniques that blind and partially sighted people use do everyday tasks.

• Things at home
• Identifying household items
• Using household items
• Using special aids or equipment
• Practising
• Looking for items
• Going out and about
• Get involved
• Further information

---

Sight problems affect people of all cultures, ages and capabilities. It is therefore difficult to describe in generalities the way of life of these individuals. Blind and partially sighted people want to do things in much the same way as people with sight.

Whether or not a blind person finds an activity difficult depends on a number of factors. How much sight somebody has left is important. People with no vision at all, for example, may find it more difficult to find a kettle than someone who retains enough sight to see where it is located. Others will be affected by lighting conditions, this might mean that the kettle can be seen when it is daylight but not when there is only artificial light. The opposite can happen too, so that there are those who can only see in subdued electric lighting conditions.

Other factors that affect how well a person performs a certain task include: whether or not he or she has had any training, how long she or he has had to practice the task and whether or not she or he can make use of devices that will make the task easier.

Each person is different. Some people with sight problems may be able to do almost everything for themselves while others may require much more help. People vary in the amount of confidence they have. It is of course possible to ask other people to assist you, but this is demeaning if you have to do it all the time. Most people prefer to retain their independence and to do things for themselves whenever possible.

There are a range of solutions to any problem and individuals use those solutions that suit them best. What works for one person may not work for another. Even the same person may use a number of different solutions to the same problem depending upon the circumstances.

Things at home

A person who is blind or partially sighted is usually more confident in their own home than anywhere else. Here they are able to be more in control of their environment. They can decide where things are kept and be sure where to find objects, as long as family members or visitors do not change anything.

Identifying household items

It is possible to tell the difference between things by using one's other senses. Many household objects have individual shapes, sizes and textures. A kettle feels very different to a tin of beans. Even a tin of cat food may sound and feel different to a tin of pineapple chunks when it is shaken.

It is also possible to tell the difference between different things by labelling them. There are many different systems for labelling objects. At the simplest level, a blind person can put a rubber-band around her toothbrush to distinguish it from someone else's, and magnetic letters can be put onto tin lids or labels made with use of thick dark felt tip pens. At the most sophisticated level, braille labels can be attached to each object. See our guide about labelling household equipment.

Colours can be distinguished in a number of ways. RNIB sells a set of differently shaped buttons which can be sewn onto the inside of garments to indicate colour. Some blind people sew tags on in different places to indicate colour. A tag on the inside, left sleeve, for example, might indicate red.

Using household items

Using everyday objects can be much easier than it sounds.

Filling a kettle is fairly simple once you have learnt a few simple techniques. Finding the tap and bringing the kettle up to it is relatively easy because the tap doesn't move. You may be able to judge the level of water in a kettle by its weight and the change in sound as it gets fuller. An alternative is to put in the water cup by cup so that you are sure of the exact amount.

Do not presume that certain tasks are impossible without vision. It is always best to ask a person with sight loss to describe what is difficult for them. Each person will have there own issues. For example, do not presume that blind people are not able to dress themselves. Putting clothes on the right way round can be quite easy, once a person has got used to not looking as they perform this task. It is important to consider any additional factors that might make a task tricky. Avoiding items of clothing without too many fiddly buttons, especially if they are in awkward places, is helpful if a person has poor dexterity or arthritis. Poor vision may compound difficulties but it is not the only issue to consider.

Using special aids or equipment

It is true, that some activities can pose difficulties or anxiety, particularly for those who have had a reduction in sight recently. Making a cup of tea, for example, can be very tricky if you can't see the mug you want to pour into. How can you be sure that water is going into the mug and you are not spilling boiling water onto the kitchen surface? How can you tell when the mug is full?

Many tasks can be made easier by using special aids or devices. RNIB produces a liquid level indicator which bleeps when a vessel is full. This enables a blind or partially sighted person to make a cup of tea without worrying whether or not the water is going to spill everywhere. To find out more about products available from RNIB, visit our online shop, or contact our Customer Services department on 0845 702 3153.

Practising

Many skills, like making a cup of tea, tying shoelaces, or shaving improve with practice. As your confidence in your own skill increases you get better and better.

Looking for items

Not being able to glance around a room or across shelves can be frustrating. If something is dropped on the floor then a search has to be made methodically and with patience. It is possible to find things but it cannot always be done quickly. As with many other tasks it is not a question of capability but speed.

Rehabilitation workers can teach people to develop new ways of doing a wide range of familiar tasks. For example, the use of a systematic search pattern can be demonstrated for when an object is dropped on the floor. A person can learn to maximise use of any residual vision. Among other helpful tips, a rehabilitation worker will give advice about lighting and they can mark items with highlight fluorescent tape or adhesive bumps, called bump-ons. They share ideas that have been used by other blind and partially sighted people.

Going out and about

Rehabilitation workers will also give training in how to get about safely out of doors. This could be to help build somebody’s confidence to go down their own garden path, or to go to the local shops, or travel on public transport. This might involve learning how to use a white cane. At all times it is what is most appropriate for the individual concerned, and what that individual thinks is an everyday activity that they want to do.

Get involved

If you would like to explore ideas and share thoughts about practical solutions to everyday living, join one of our Tele Befriending groups. These are weekly telephone social groups where you can meet a group of new friends for a chat. There is also a Tele Support group 'Understanding the types of benefits available' which is a telephone information and discussion group. To find out more visit our information on RNIB Talk and Support.

Further information

See our See for Yourself guides which contain practical ideas and advice for people with low vision.

Content author: webeditor@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 07/03/2008 11:43