5 Talking Devices People with Vision Loss Find Super Helpful

Many people with vision loss say they miss how quickly sight used to give them information.

Talking devices can help restore some of that quick access to information—right in your own home. Here are a few ways they can help, with suggested options.

How can I get a temperature reading quickly with vision loss?

Whether you’re taking your own temperature, making sure food is done, or wondering what the temperature is inside or outside, a talking thermometer gives clear, quick results.

Options include:

• infrared talking personal thermometer
• talking oral medical thermometer
• talking food thermometer, straight
• talking food thermometer, folding
• talking indoor/outdoor thermometer

The Blind Kitchen’s food thermometer is a favorite of Sam Seavey from The Blind Life. You can hear Sam talk about his favorite low vision aids in the Hadley Presents episode Tech Tools for Vision Loss, from Low to High Tech.

Note: Food thermometers should not stay in the oven while cooking.

How can I weigh things more easily with vision loss?

Whether you’re weighing yourself, packages, or ingredients, hearing the results may be helpful. Here are two options:

• talking kitchen scale
• talking bathroom scale

Hadley’s workshops Measuring Dry Ingredients and Measuring Liquid Ingredients offer more tips for measuring in the kitchen with vision loss.

What are the best talking labelers?

What if everyday items could tell you what they are? Talking labelers let you record short messages and attach them to items. When you need to identify them, you play the message back. You can label food items, medications, storage containers, and more.

Here are some options to explore:

• PenFriend 3
• PenFriend labels
• Talking Label Wand

To see how an audio labeler works, check out Hadley’s workshop Labels: Audio Labels.

How do I identify money accurately with vision loss?

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers a free talking money identifier. This device speaks aloud the denomination of any U.S. bill and can use vibrations for identification too.

You can download and fill out the application to receive one.

Hadley also offers a workshop on using money: Money Organization and Paying the Bill.

How can I best identify colors with vision loss?

If matching your clothing has become tricky, a device that can identify colors may be helpful.

Seeing AI is a free app that can identify colors using your phone’s camera. Because it relies on the camera, results aren’t always accurate—especially in low light. Still, it may be a helpful starting point for everyday situations. Hadley offers free workshops on using Seeing AI for both iPhone and Android.

If knowing the exact color is important to you, you might consider a dedicated device like the Color Star color identifier. It can accurately identify colors even in low lighting. At around $600, it’s a significant investment, so you may want to check with your local vision rehabilitation office before purchasing. They may be able to connect you with organizations that help cover the cost.

To find an office in your state, visit the OIB-TAC’s website. Or call Hadley for help locating services: 800-323-4238.

Where to shop for low vision and talking devices

Stores that offer helpful devices for vision loss include:

• Chicago Lighthouse My Tools for Living
• LS&S
• MaxiAids
• Independent Living Aids
• The AT Guys
• APH

You’re also welcome to call Hadley’s practical help specialists to talk about assistive devices for vision loss: 800-323-4238

Is there a device you wish could talk to you? Let us know.