What is Low Vision/Partial Blindness?
Vision is one of the primary ways people relate to the world, and generally, the environment is designed specifically for the majority who can see it. This can cause significant problems whether someone is born blind or acquires it later in life.
People with low vision or partial blindness can still see the world around them. However, they cannot make out fine details, may experience fuzziness, or struggle to navigate areas where distance sight is required.
Low vision or partial blindness may also occur as people age. These shifts are usually gradual, and someone may not realize they’re happening for some time.
Referring to Low Vision/Partial Blindness
Generally, someone with low vision or partial blindness will use person-first language. While these conditions do affect how someone interacts with the world on a fundamental level, many do not consider them to be critical to their identity. However, it’s still best to ask.
It is important to note a distinction you may see in text. When “blind” is written with a lowercase “b” it refers to the condition. A capital “B” denotes that the person is part of Blind culture, which is a specific subculture.
Creating an Accessible Environment for People with Low Vision/Partial Blindness
Create Proper Lighting
Lighting is a critical component of how well someone with low vision or partial blindness can perceive a space. It’s important to note that the goal is to create enough visual contrast, which translates into perceivable distance by the eye, rather than flooding the space with light.
Generally, people with low vision or partial blindness can better perceive a space if there are different colors in it. Lighting combined with the differing colors can greatly help these members navigate a space.
Offer Large or Giant Print
Many people with low vision or partial blindness can read if a font is big enough. Offering large print or digital options where someone can set their own font size is a great option to help these members.
Generally, large print refers to an 18-point font. Options over that are usually referred to as “giant.” You should choose a font with minimal flourishes or distractions, such as a sans serif, to assist in the reading process.
Also, it is challenging for someone who was not raised Blind to learn braille. It’s best not to assume this specific skill.
Choosing High Contrast
Contrast is part of what allows anyone to perceive different shapes even when they’re right next to each other. One of the things that can happen for people with low vision or partial blindness is increased difficulty discerning the difference. Choosing high-contrast colors can help with this.
One of the things Star Trek shows offer is a class lesson in contrasting colors. If you look at any console, the LCARS theme is typically high contrast. Additionally, you can find many examples online that can help you.
Enlisting Volunteers
If your chapter has cadets, you may be able to enlist them to help people navigate spaces. If you’re going to enlist cadets, however, it’s essential to give them a brief lesson on courtesy around those who are different from them.
Volunteers can help someone with low vision/partial blindness navigate spaces that may not be accessible to them otherwise. Volunteers should be orientated to the space and made aware of all potential tripping hazards.
Offer Recordings
Recordings, even if they’re only the business portion of the meeting or event, are an invaluable tool for many people. This gives people with low vision or partial blindness the option to revisit the main points of your meeting.
Recordings do not need to be complex. Most smartphones can make audio recordings, and sharing them in a secure space such as a members-only Facebook group or Discord server is a middle ground. Plus, other members who may not have been able to attend can catch up as well.
Beware Obstacles and Tripping Hazards
Obstacles and tripping hazards present a significant problem for people with low vision or partial blindness. Where someone with typical vision might see a chair out of the corner of their eye or notice a slight slope in the floor, that may not be the case for others.
When planning events, it’s crucial to set up the space as much as possible with wide walking areas, clearly marked directions, and as much avoidance of tripping hazards as possible. Where it is impossible to avoid tripping hazards (i.e., older venues with sloped floors), putting an orange cone or other marker up can help everyone.
Feel like this guide is missing something? Let us know at sfcoa@sfi.org.
Want to know more about accessible communication? Check out Accessible Communication 101.