How to Help Blind People to Get Around
Firstly, know that most blind people are fine with the term ‘blind’ or ‘low vision’. But they don’t ‘vision-impaired’. People with 10% or less vision are classed as legally blind anyway in most countries.
BlindSquare is a self-voicing GPS app that helps people get around safely, and also details points of interest (and useful places like post offices and libraries).
Just shake the device to hear details of where you are, while the app filters out unnecessary places. It can save favourite places, talk in several languages, and work hands-free.
Be My Eyes is a popular app which (unusually) has more volunteers than recipients. You sign up, then any blind person worldwide can send a message, asking you to ‘be their eyes’. You can read recipes, decipher colours or read instructions.
The idea was started by Danish furniture craftsman Hans Jørgen Wiberg (who does not have full vision). Within 24 hours of launch, the app had over 10,000 users.
- Blind person’s allowance is added to your yearly allowance. Also register for benefits, if you care for someone who is blind or partially sighted.
- You can claim discounts on on your TV license. But one of England’s most bonkers laws, is that you get a ‘discount’ if your TV is black-and-white. Blind people can’t see it, so why on earth is this not free?
- Relay is a free app to help people who have difficulty using the phone. Also register with BT Protected Services Scheme, so they can contact you if you forget to pay, to avoid cutting off your line.
- BT Home Essentials offers cheaper calls and broadband (ask about BT Priority Repair and free BT directory enquiries).
- Royal Mail offers free postage (national and international) of books, printed materials, audio/electronic media and mobility aids. Also benefit from free digital radio loans.
Free Books for Blind Adults and Children
Listening Books is a charity that lends out books to anyone with sight problems. For around £20 a year, the books include Wild City, about our urban wildlife (listen to a sample online).
Living Paintings offers touch-to-see books for children & adults. Everything is dispatched for free through RNIB’s Articles for the Blind program.
Screen Eyes is a supplement to prevent age-related macular degeneration, sold in a tin with sustainable refills. One 90-year old reviewer took this daily for 14 months after being monitored for possible glaucoma. A recent eye check-up found that one eye could read 3 rows lower than a year before.
Before taking supplements, check with GP if pregnant/nursing or you have medical conditions. Keep away from young children & pets.
