Simple gadgets and low vision aids can make a huge difference for anyone living with vision impairment.
They may be small, but they can be mighty, making everyday tasks easier.
But where to start? Well, a visit to our Resource Centre is a must. We like to think of it as a treasure trove of items. All are made to assist anyone with sight loss. You’ll be amazed at the low vision aids which exist to help you live independently. You can also purchase items online in our shop (link opens in new window).
We asked the staff working at the VisAbility Resource Centre for their advice. Resource Centre Assistants Katie and Ivani know what people want, especially when confronted with a first diagnosis of vision loss.
Aside from magnifiers and spot lighting, what comes recommended? Katie, who also lives with vision loss, outlines the top ten products.
1. Liquid level indicator
A liquid level indicator helps people to pour the correct amount of liquid into a cup to ensure no spillages.
When the liquid reaches close to the top of the cup, beaker, or glass, you’ll hear beeps and vibrations coming from the liquid level indicator, meaning the liquid has reached its limit.
It’s small, battery-powered and can be easily attached to a cup. The prongs within the device monitor the water. It eliminates mess and prevents burns and stains from spilled drinks.
View liquid level indicators in the online shop (opens in new window)
2. Tilting kettle
Now you have your liquid level indicator, what about a tilting kettle? The kettle sits in a cradle. When you need to pour out the boiling water, just tilt it.
The tilt-to-pour movement offers peace of mind and safety for people with vision impairment and eliminates any heavy lifting.
View tilting kettle in the online shop (opens in new window)
3. Onion holder
It can be challenging to chop your onions with low vision, but the onion holder will mean you can chop all types of onions and vegetables with confidence.
The sharp metal pins pierce the onion (or vegetable), keeping it in place. Its unique design allows you to guide your knife through, resulting in slices cut to any width you’d like.
View onion/vegetable holder in the online show (opens in new window)
4. Non-sharp knife
It is possible to buy a knife that isn’t sharp and won’t harm you, yet will still cut fruit, vegetables and other food.
The non-sharp knife means your hand and fingers are always safe, minimising any accidents in your kitchen.
View non-sharp knife in the online shop (opens in new window)
5. Bumps or dots
Raised bumps or dots are tactile indicators. They are incredible, simple solutions to identify settings, length of cycles, or start/stop function on household goods, such as an oven, dishwasher, or microwave.
The bumps are suitable for older-style phones, television remotes, or toiletries to identify different products (i.e. shampoo and conditioner). It takes just seconds to stick them to items.
View bumps and dots in the online shop (opens in new window)
6. Talking watch
How do you tell the time if you have vision loss and can’t see a clock face? A talking watch is a far better choice than a traditional watch for anyone with vision impairment.
There are numerous styles of talking and Braille watches manufactured for people with limited sight. These also have alarms and simple battery insertion features. A watch with an expansion band will be easier to take on or off than one with a clasp.
View talking watches in the online shop (opens in new window)
7. Cut resistant gloves
Cut resistant gloves offer a higher level of extra protection to ensure you don’t hurt your hands while prepping any food in the kitchen.
These gloves are made from special flexible material to protect your hands while cutting, slicing or grating.
View cut resistant gloves in the online shop (opens in new window)
8. Signature guide
One of the simplest, cheapest items in our Resource Centre, no wonder it’s a best seller.
A signature guide is a tactile prompt indicating where you should write so you can sign in a straight line. It is like a template and is ideal for signing important documents.
As well as a version for a signatures, there’s also a larger version – A4 size with ruled lines. Both are black in colour for maximum contrast against white paper.
View signature guide in the online shop (opens in new window)
9. Audio book player
Our audio book player is perfect for listening to your favourite books. It is simple to use because of its easily identifiable buttons. Its basic design allows you to easily rewind, go forward, increase and decrease volume, play and stop.
You can even bookmark your place, so you’ll never lose your spot when reading!
View audio book players in our online shop (opens in new window)
10. Talking food thermometer
A talking food thermometer reads the temperature of food. It also has a clear display outlining the current temperature in big font. At the head of the thermometer is a large yellow button. Once pressed it will read the temperature aloud.
The metal probe has a protective cover for safety. Use it on any type of food, from stews to meat to liquid.
View talking food thermometer in our online shop (opens in new window)
This is by no means an exhaustive list of low vision aids. Designs are improving all the time to make life easier for anyone with vision impairment.
Don’t forget, the place to visit for low vision aids is our Resource Centre. You don’t have to be a VisAbility client to visit and browse. It’s open 09:00 to 3:30 pm every day. If you can’t make it in person to the Resource Centre in Victoria Park, visit the online store (link opens in new window).
How to get support
If you have a diagnosis of vision impairment, please contact our friendly team to find out what low vision services and support we can provide to you both now and into the future.
There are also a number of low vision support groups within Perth and across the state, which can connect you with like-minded people to build friendships and offer support.
If you are a provider and wish to refer a client, please use our low vision medical certificate (online referral form) to make your referral.