Tips for Making Your Home Accessible to the Visually Impaired

There are several ways to modify your home to make it more accessible to individuals with vision impairments or blindness. We’ve compiled several tips to help you on your renovation journey. Of course, always consult professionals before undergoing large projects. We recommend doing additional research to ensure that our suggestions work best for you and your loved ones. We’ve gathered tips that encompass almost every area of vision impairment or blindness. It’s essential to adapt your space according to the level of visual impairment that is specific to you or your loved one.

For those with moderate to severe vision impairment, good lighting is essential. Natural lighting and using bulbs that are between 60-100 watts will help brighten up your space. Adding floor lamps, table lamps, and clip-on lamps can help boost the brightness in your home. Lamps and additional lighting equipped with shades are ideal, as they reduce glare within your space. Place flashlights in strategic spots around your house to make navigating darker places easier. Automatic and motion-activated lights can be installed throughout your home for an affordable price. Making the switch to LED lights can also increase the brightness in your home. Ensure that lighting, especially in hallways, is uniform throughout. Uniform lighting makes it easier to differentiate where a room starts or stops, and where there are curves in the space. When placing mirrors in your home, be mindful of glare, which can disorient or make navigating rooms difficult.

After you’ve adjusted your lighting, you’ll want to tackle furniture next. Not literally tackle, of course, but if your couch is as cumbersome as mine, you may consider it. Open walkways by rearranging furniture, making movement easier. Safety rails can be attached in areas like the bathroom or next to beds. Low coffee tables and end tables that pose a tripping hazard can be removed from your home altogether. Electrical cords are also a huge tripping hazard. Ensure cords are out of walkways and safely tucked away. Rugs will need to be secured with non-slip pads or adhesive. Keep floors clean and free of dirt and spills, but remember that some cleaning products can make floors slippery. Avoid waxing your floor altogether to eliminate a slipping hazard! Uneven flooring should be levelled with the help of a professional. Ramps can be installed over steps, and reflective tape or paint can help those with vision impairments discern the level change.

There are simple adjustments to make navigating your space easier for those with vision impairments or blindness. Mixing up the textures of your furniture can make it easier to differentiate each piece by touch. Color contrasting on objects like light switches, outlets, and door frames can help those with mild to severe vision impairment. Color-coding shelves, bins, and drawers can help easily locate objects. Be mindful of shelves, décor, or organizers that are at eye level and can cause injury. Textured labels or markers like pipe cleaners, rubber bands, or different fabrics can be attached to objects to help better identify them.

Adding technology throughout the home can help you upgrade the accessibility of your space. Talking devices can be added to household objects such as clocks, thermometers, thermostats, and blood pressure monitors. There are talking aids that have sensors which identify colors. This tool can help with dressing and organizing your closet! Thoroughly research accessibility devices to ensure that what you’re installing works best for your home and family.

It is possible to make your home comfortable, functional, and adaptable to your needs. Research, planning, and professional help can help you obtain your goals without the added stress of figuring everything out on your own! Don’t be afraid to reach out to local and national organizations that specialize in accessible renovations best suited to your lifestyle. Having a fully accessible home may not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this transition. You deserve a home where you feel independent and comfortable!