Low Vision Hints

1. How do I give directions to a friend with low vision?

   
   Give helpful directions, like "Turn left at the next corner" or "across the street" rather than vague descriptions like "over there."

2. How should I greet a friend with low vision?

   
   Speak first and identify yourself. Don't assume that he/she will recognize your voice.

3. When walking with a partially sighted person, how can I help him?

   
   Identify terrain e.g., an upcoming curb, a crack in the sidewalk, a low hanging tree limb.

4. How can I best write a note to a visually impaired person?

   
   Use a black felt tipped marker on white paper and print clearly.

5. How can I better communicate with a visually impaired person?

   
   Respond verbally. A nod, smile or any gesture may not be seen.

6. How can I best instruct a visually impaired person?

   
   Describe the features in the immediate environment. Example: say, " the cup is on the table, just to your left about 6 inches."
7. Each state has at least one library that offers Talking Books programs and large print publications. Ask if there is an outreach librarian in your area to serve patrons with special visual needs.
8. The same company that prints regular checks, also prints large checks with raised lines, and large registers, which help visually impaired people maintain their ability to keep accurate records, and balance their own checkbook. This allows a person with low vision to protect their privacy and dignity.
9. There are many state and local agencies whose mission is to provide rehabilitative services for those with visual impairment. These agencies employ counselors, teachers, and occupational therapists, who can help someone with low vision to return to the workplace, and earn a livable income.
10. Local utility companies provide discounted Directory Assistance services to those who are visually impaired.
11. The Department of Motor Vehicles can give special testing for restricted driving, and information on how to obtain handicapped parking permits.
12. Many public transit systems offer reduced or no cost fares for the visually impaired.
13. Meals on Wheels can deliver cooked meals to those who are homebound due to low vision.
14. The U.S. Postal system offers special postage rates with certification of visual impairment.
15. If you are legally blind, the Internal Revenue Service provides special exemptions.
16. Your local media may offer large print newspapers, reading services, or cable TV descriptive video services.