Losing some or all of your sight can feel like the world is suddenly closing in, especially when it comes to activities you love.
But sight loss doesn’t mean giving up on reading, movies, puzzles, or creativity.
With a little know-how, modern technology and a dash of perseverance, you can keep doing the things that you enjoy.
In a previous post, we looked at cooking with confidence after sight loss. This time, let’s explore hobbies and entertainment and how they can still be accessible and enjoyable.
Reading without limits
If you’re a bookworm, losing your sight can feel like losing a dear friend, but the truth is, reading has never been more accessible:
Large print books
If you still love the feel of a real book, then many libraries stock large-print editions.
Braille books
These are definitely harder to find, but the RNIB offers an impressive collection that you can access.
E-books and smart speakers
It’s very easy to download books on Kindle and have Alexa read them aloud through your Amazon Echo.
Audiobooks
Whether on library loan, Audible or BorrowBox, you can now carry entire libraries in your pocket. Thanks to the audiobook boom, you’ll find nearly every bestseller, classic or niche title available to listen to, often for less than the cost of a paperback.
Film & Television
Film nights and box-sets are available on most modern devices.
Smart TVs now come with built-in accessibility settings such as audio menus and talking guides.
Audio Description (AD) is widely available across channels and streaming services (BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix and more).
Add-on devices such as Apple TV and Amazon Fire Stick also offer easy access to AD content.
Games & Puzzles
If you love a good crossword, sudoku or a Saturday night scrabble battle – there are options out there.
Large-print puzzle books, tactile jigsaws and accessible playing cards make traditional games easier.
Classic board games like scrabble now come in large-print and Braille editions.
Many online and app-based versions also work brilliantly with built-in accessibility features.
Smart speakers like Alexa even host their own audio games, quizzes and adventures that you can play with just your voice.
Arts & Crafts
Creativity doesn’t dim with sight loss, it just takes on new forms.
Knitting, crochet or sewing are still possible with large-print patterns, adapted threaders and a little help choosing patterns.
Tactile colouring books can be enjoyed too.
Magnifiers and specialist lighting can help with all of these activities.
The Big Picture
Sight loss may change how you do things, but it doesn’t have to change who you are.
With a mix of technology, creativity and community support from friends, family or local sight loss charities (like Warwickshire Vision Support), you can keep exploring your passions or even discover new ones!