Have you ever spiced up your holiday invitations by designing or printing them in red or green?

Although this adds a festive touch, it may make it more difficult for people with vision problems to read. Take a few minutes to learn a few simple tips about using size, color, and adjusting light to make activities more inclusive for those with limited vision. To learn more tips, take this free continuing education course: “Tips for Helping People with Vision Problems.”

How common are vision problems?

You may have noticed someone squinting or saying they cannot see to participate in an activity. As we age, vision changes can happen. Some of these changes are natural, such as not being able to read small print at the standard reading distance. A pair of reading glasses usually helps. Other changes, like a clouding of vision from cataracts, can be treated with surgery.

Unfortunately, some changes resulting from age-related eye conditions may cause problems that cannot be corrected. According to the American Community Survey, nearly 1 in 10 people 65 and older say they have trouble seeing, even when wearing their glasses. These conditions can cause difficulties seeing print, recognizing faces, watching TV or movies, and moving around safely. Vision changes can even cause someone to stop doing certain activities. But there are ways you can help!

Tips for making programs more welcoming and engaging

Some simple tips on ways to make your programs accessible and keep those with limited vision engaged:

Make text larger

When vision is not clear, making print larger can help. Select fonts that are non-serif (font styles that do not have extra twists and curves). Increase the font size. Size 14 is good, but sometimes size 16 or 18 is even better. There are numerous large print products available for purchase. These include items like:

Check out large print books from your local library or check with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. This free service has a branch in every state, providing audiobooks through the mail for people who have vision problems. In some states, large print books are also available through the program.

Another way to make something look larger, is to encourage the person to move closer. Sitting in the front row for a play, concert, or presentation may help the person see more details.

Use contrast

A second factor that can help someone participate more fully in activities is by using contrast. Contrast is the difference in color between something and the background behind that item. For instance, black print on red paper has less contrast than black print on white paper. The contrast between black and white is the best contrast, but some other color combinations also work well.

Keep in mind that the more contrast you can provide, the more visible things will be. Contrast can be used in many situations. For example:

• For meals,  place a white plate on a dark colored tablecloth or use a dark placemat.
• Put a sheet of white paper under the remote control.
• Place a dark mat on a light-colored floor.
• Hang a white towel in a darker colored bathroom.
• Place a contrasting tray or towel under craft items or when measuring ingredients in the kitchen.

Adjust light

Lighting is the third factor that might be adjusted to help improve accessibilty. The amount and type of light can be varied, and not everyone finds the same lighting to be helpful. Ask the person to learn more about their lighting preferences.

Provide a task lamp for detailed work like crafting or reading. When a light can be moved closer to a task, it will increase the brightness of the light. If the person is squinting, there may be too much light. Close the blinds or move the person so their back is to the window.

For outdoor activities, encourage those sensitive to light to wear a brimmed hat or sunglasses. When moving between different lighting environments, such as moving indoors after being outside on a sunny day, it can take a person with vision problems a little longer for their eyes to adjust to the new lighting level. Allowing a little extra transition time can help them participate more confidently.

Check with the person to make sure the changes made are helpful to them. If not, ask them for additional suggestions about how you can help.

Refer for specialized services

Another way you can help is to refer the person for services. Visit Time To Be Bold to find specialized services in your area that help people with vision loss. Some specialized services include assessment and instruction in the use of magnifiers, safe preparation of food, tips for cleaning tasks, labeling and organization of personal and household items, and safe movement and travel.

Learn more tips

Learn more about how to help people with vision problems to feel safe, included, comfortable, and in control by taking our new course, “Tips for Helping People with Vision Problems.” This free course, offered by the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center, provides numerous suggestions on how to interact and include people with vision loss in your programs and activities.