Aids and Technology

There are many aids and technologies available to assist people with low vision to maintain their independence, from simple everyday practical aids for daily living to specific aids for use at home, in the community and in the workplace.

Daily living aids

Daily living aids for people with low vision include liquid level indicators, coin sorters and large button telephones. These aids can help with daily activities in and around the home.

Low vision aids

Low vision aids include hand held magnifiers and lamps. These aids can help with reading labels, books, newspapers and letters.

Technology

Technology available to people with low vision includes electronic magnifiers, audio books, text to voice technology and computers and special software. It is important to realise that different eye diseases or conditions affect vision in different ways, so it is important to access support services and aids and technologies that cater to individual needs.

Being informed, accessing appropriate services, having a positive approach and remaining open to learning new ways of doing things are key to great outcomes in the use of aids and technologies.

Learning to use any new technology can be challenging. A positive and encouraging environment is important and will help to facilitate the use of daily living aids, low vision aids and adaptive technology.