Article provided by www.consumer.org.nz

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind supplies a wide variety of aids for people with impaired vision.

Some examples are pictured (bottom).

These can be as simple as large-print playing cards, or as complex as a closed-circuit TV which enlarges print on to a large screen.

The three most popular items sold by their equipment services are medium-tip pens, "bump-on" adhesive dots for marking keyboard keys and remote buttons, and a talking watch. Signature guides and large-print items are also popular.

Sock holders are useful for anyone who keeps losing a single sock in the wash - the socks stay in them at all times (except when you're wearing them).

Computer issues

You can set up your computer to make it easier to use.

Do you have difficulty seeing things on a screen? The size of the text and icons can be adjusted, colours can be set to high contrast, and the cursor "blink speed" can be slowed down.

Having trouble using the mouse or keyboard? You can choose the Sticky Key option: instead of having to press several keys at once, such as when you want a capital letter, you press them one after the other. You can also slow down the mouse pointer for moving it around the screen, or use the number pad instead of the mouse.

The Apple and Microsoft websites explain how to set these and other options

For more information on aids for independent living, visit www.consumer.org.nz

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