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Friday, April 8, 2011

At Vision Dynamics we understand how difficult it can be living with low vision- the owner is legally blind and our sales diva Tracy is also legally blind. When we come to work, we are always hearing about the difficulties of simple tasks - such as, being legally blind and going to the grocery store. So, we decided it was time to share some tips on living with low vision, from someone with low vision - our very own Tracy! Tracy has been legally blind since the age of seven, but never let that stop her from living her life. She works, raises two kids, helps run her household and goes shopping. We all know that going to the grocery store can be a bit trick, but having low vision should not stop you from going and it can be an adventure. Here are some of Tracy's tips for a successful shopping experience: 1) Make a list of the items you need - write with a bold black pen and on bold lined paper so that it is easier to read. 2) If writing isn't an option - you can record your list on a small handheld recorder 3) Bring other adaptive devices - monocular, pocket video magnifier (such as an Optelec Compact+ or Aumed Eye-C), large print checks, folding cane, a handheld magnifier and most importantly PATIENCE and a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Patience and a positive attitude may very well be the hardest, but the more you do on your own and the more comfortable you are in accepting your low vision, the easier this becomes. When you begin your shopping experience, it is helpful to use the white cane. It will not only help you navigate the store, but will also identify you to other shoppers as someone who is visually impaired. Since most stores have signs above each isle, use your monocular to see the distant signs so that you can orient yourself to the store layout. A monocular (just like binoculars, but it is only for one eye) can also be used in shopping malls to see store names in the distance. Once you are in the correct aisle or store, it is time to select the items on your list. Seeing the labels or price tags can be quite challenging, this is where your pocket video magnifier or handheld magnifier comes into play. Use these devices to magnify the small print. The pocket video magnifier is a useful tool because it allows you to take a picture if an item is high up or on a lower shelf. You can then view the picture up close. Using your magnifying devices will help insure that you are buying the peas on your shopping list instead of the green beans your kids hate. Here's a secret - sighted people buy the wrong items all the time! Perhaps us sighted folks should take some advice and slow down. During the shopping process there may be people who wonder what you're doing, or ask if you need help. It is OK to explain to them you are visually impaired and it may even lead into some interesting conversations. They may know someone who is visually impaired and that is the best time to educate on living independently! If you are uncomfortable explaining yourself, it is also okay to say " no thank you" or, if you are struggling and someone offers to help it is definitely okay to accept their help. Once you have found all of your items it is time to check out - this can be an intimidating experience but don't worry - there are things you can do! Having large print checks from the bank will make it easier to fill out the checks ( these are available by request at most banks). Most stores have credit card machines that allow you to sign anywhere in the box, which is great because you don't have to worry about staying on a line! If you need to use your debit card you can always use your handheld magnifier to see the keypad, but sometimes this is complicated because the screen is difficult to see. In this case, Tracy has asked the cashier for help. When asking for assistance, just explain that you are visually impaired and cannot see the display, and the cashier will help you complete your transaction. If you are using cash to pay, there is a money reader called Money Talks that identifies what denomination each bill is. Tracy also folds her bills a certain way, so that she can differentiate between different denominations. Another important item to have with you is a cell phone. This is great to have if you need to call for a ride or your spouse calls because they forgot to ask you to pick up something that wasn't on your list. Remember that shopping with low vision can be a successful experience! Most important is to have patience and a sense of humor can go along way. Tracy recalls a family vacation when she was shopping with her daughter. They were in a store that had ow lighting. Tracy was wearing a baseball cap (this further impaired her vision) and the store was filled with t-shirts, bags, purses, and other touristy items. Now, Tracy LOVES purses and she began looking at several on a rack in front of her. She found one that was particularly nice and she started to touch it - then the bag began to move! Tracy looked up and noticed the purse was attached to a person. The woman was standing in front of her with the bag hanging from her shoulder. Tracy laughed and quickly apologized and explained that she was visually impaired. The woman probably thought her purse was being stolen, and was relieved when she found out it wasn't. Just remember, don't be afraid to use adaptive devices, keep a sense of humor, stay calm and have patience - shopping can be fun! For more information on any of the adaptive devices listed in this article please visit www.VisionDynamics.com or call 203-271-1944