Living Tools for the Visually Impaired

The term "visual impairment" describes a variety of conditions ranging from a lack of peripheral vision to cataracts to an inability to see small items. Visual impairment of any kind affects nearly every aspect of daily life, which is why individuals who suffer from poor vision benefit from living tools to assist them. The most appropriate living tools for someone with visually impairment depends on his visual condition.

Large-Button Telephone

• The inability to use a telephone can be frustrating --- and potentially dangerous --- if you cannot read the numbers. Each of the buttons on the large telephone are approximately two inches square, depending on the model. Three emergency buttons are prominently displayed on the bottom of the phone base, with large colored symbols for police, medical emergency and fire. Audio caller ID notifies you of the person calling.

Digital Talking Thermostat

• Changing the temperature in your house shouldn't require assistance. A digital talking thermostat allows you to easily program the temperature with a large digital display screen. The thermostat also reports the indoor and outdoor temperature in human voice when you push a clearly labeled button. If the temperature becomes too low or too high, your talking thermostat can alert you with a voice notification.

Talking Microwave Oven

• The talking microwave oven provides voice notification when your cooking is complete and offers different shaped keys to enter cooking instructions. Some models allow you speak the cooking commands yourself, and others only offer buttons and a verbal confirmation of instructions. For example, after indicating on the shape key pad that you wanted to cook a 5-oz. potato for four minutes, the microwave would say, "5 ounces for 4 minutes." At any point in the microwave cycle, you can press the designated button at the bottom of the microwave to hear the amount of time remaining.

Lighted Magnifying Glass

• A large lighted magnifying glass clips or screws to the side of your favorite chair or a table. The jointed arm allows you to easily move the framed magnifying glass up or down and from side to side. Behind the magnifying frame is a battery-powered light that further increases the visibility of your reading material. The magnifying glass itself is roughly 11 inches by 14 inches.