Vision loss - recreational activities

For someone who has been sighted all their life, gradual loss of vision can feel like a shrinking world. Hobbies and interests may seem too difficult to manage, and over time a person can become isolated and lonely. With a little adaptation and flexibility, though, many activities can be reworked to suit a person who is blind or has low vision.

Many organisations that support people with vision loss keep a range of recreational equipment, and some offer a borrowing system for books in alternative formats.

Reading#

Many books and magazines are available in audio, large-print and Braille formats.

Games#

Games can be adapted in several ways:

• Some games are available in Braille versions, such as chess, playing cards, Monopoly, Ludo and Bingo
• Some equipment, such as dominoes or dice, has raised numbers that are easy to tell apart by touch
• Many games are available in large print, including cards, Bingo, crosswords and Scrabble

Cooking#

A standard kitchen can be adapted easily:

• Common settings on equipment, such as the oven temperature control, can be marked with brightly coloured or tactile tags
• Recipes are available in audio or large-print formats
• Use marked measuring equipment or talking scales
• Brightly coloured or tactile tags can mark the top or bottom of equipment such as knives
• Pre-prepared ingredients, such as sauces, can simplify cooking

Craft#

Craftwork is tactile by nature, and many activities, such as basket weaving, pottery, knitting and painting, can be adapted to suit a person who is blind or has low vision.

Gardening#

A garden can be made easier to manage and enjoy:

• A basic layout with straight, uniform garden beds
• Sticks to mark the borders of each bed, and reference markers such as trees, large rocks or garden ornaments
• Permanent irrigation, such as underground tubing operated by turning on the garden tap
• Confined or miniature gardens, such as flowers grown in pots or containers, which need little attention
• Flowers with strong scents and brightly coloured petals, and a brightly coloured strip down the centre of pathways
• Mulch in garden beds to reduce weeds
• Light gardening tools that can be held in one hand, and an apron or utility belt to hold equipment
• Ways to tell different plants apart

Music#

A person can listen to music with a radio or other audio player. Learning to play an instrument can involve playing by ear, using screen-enlarging equipment or the Braille system of music notation.

Radio, television and the internet#

A growing number of films feature audio description, and audio-described films are available for people who are blind or have low vision. The internet offers music, radio stations from around the world and other audio entertainment.

Some services read the daily news over the phone, often with the help of volunteers or an automated voice. A touch-button function lets the listener choose different sections of the newspaper, and small groups can work together to solve the daily crossword with a volunteer acting as a go-between.

Exercise#

Activities such as cycling on a stationary bike or using a rowing machine can be done at home.

Specialist organisations can provide equipment and advice on adapting recreational activities to suit individual needs.

Where to get help#