Accessible Home from The Chicago Lighthouse

Tech Tools for Living: Home, Sweet Accessible Home

From our partners at the Chicago Lighthouse, introducing My Tools for Living, an overview of everyday tools for low vision.

Home is a place where we all want to feel comfortable and relaxed. But when you're adjusting to vision loss, even familiar rooms can suddenly feel unfamiliar making your morning coffee, finding the right button on the microwave, or walking to the bathroom at night.

Simple activities might feel harder than they used to, but here's the good news. With the right tools and a few adjustments, your home can be adapted to meet your needs, making it easier to live your life your way.

It doesn't take a lot of changes to make your environment more comfortable because small adjustments can make a big difference. And there are tools from simple to smart that can help bump dots or textured stickers are a great example. These can be placed on microwave buttons, the stove, the washer and dryer, anywhere you need. So you can control your appliances by touch without having to see the screen or the dials.

Judith: So I have a bump that is an automatic 30 seconds. Just press it a couple times rather than search around for the other numbers. That's priceless. That is very, very helpful. I'd be lost without that.

Narrator: In the kitchen. Talking tools like cooking, thermometers timers and liquid level indicators provide audio feedback.

Talking Thermometer: 82.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pat: I've always liked to bake and I'm, I think I'm kind of known for being a pretty decent baker, so I will speak to my phone and ask it to, you know, set a timer for me. But sometimes it's a matter of combination of low tech and high tech to get things done.

Narrator: Many helpful devices let you label things like spices and cans, medications, and even clothing. There are even special labels you can scan with a phone or a handheld reader so you can hear the information out loud.

PenFriend: This is blood pressure medicine. Losartan 100 milligrams. Take one pill every evening before bed.

Narrator: Simple technologies like touch sensitive or motion activated lighting can make it easier to move around safely. And in future episodes, we'll talk about ideas to make your home even more convenient. With Tech Savvy Solutions, every small change brings you closer to feeling at ease at home, and more independent.

You probably heard the word smart to describe a lot of things. Smart TVs, smart phones, smart homes. When we say smart, we simply mean devices that can respond to voice or touch that might connect to other devices or the internet, and that help make daily tasks easier. A smart speaker can tell you the time or weather.

Smart Speaker: Currently in Los Angeles, California, it's 50 degrees Fahrenheit with cloudy skies.

Narrator: A smart plug can turn on a lamp just by hearing your voice

Voice 1: Turn on the light.

Narrator: And a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature automatically or by using an app on your phone.

Monty: In my house, my climate control is all by voice. I can speak to one of my smart speakers and tell it to, you know, make an adjustment to the temperature. So that's wonderful tech and that's just part of the tech that I have at my disposal.

Narrator: These tools may sound high tech, but they're actually designed to simplify, not complicate your life.

Voice 1: Alexa, set a reminder to take my medication at 1:00 PM

Smart Speaker: Okay. I'll create a reminder at 1:00 PM

Narrator: And you can always decide which tools are right for you and when or if to try them out. Technology is evolving quickly and new tools are opening up exciting possibilities.

Wearable devices like smart glasses use small built-in cameras to describe what's around you. They can read printed texts aloud, identify objects, describe a room, and answer questions about your environment. And the best part is they work hands free.

Meta Glasses: You are looking at an outdoor park. There are tall green trees and a park bench.

Narrator: In future episodes, we'll look at how smartphone apps and wearable devices compare and how to choose what's right for you to fit your comfort level and lifestyle. There's no one right way to make your home accessible and easier for you to manage. This is your space. You're the expert on what feels comfortable. It's all about choosing what supports your independence and matches your lifestyle and your home is just the beginning.

In our next episode, we'll explore how your smartphone and the apps available for it can identify items, read, text, and give you even more support in daily life

Seeing AI App: Processing amount due, $54.17

Narrator: No matter where you begin, the goal is the same to feel confident, capable, and at home in your own space again. And remember, the Chicago Lighthouse is here to guide you through the options and help you find what works best for you and your home. To learn more, visit www.MyToolsForLiving.com or call the Chicago Lighthouse's Tools for Living Store at 1-800-919-3375.