Holiday Hustle & Bustle: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss

Renee Man, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
December 1, 2008

The holiday season is here and with much of the hustle and bustle come many vision related tasks such as making lists, writing cards, and addressing envelopes. Can they be accomplished if one has some vision loss?  With the right tools and knowledge the answer is a definite yes.

A common challenge that is associated with vision loss is the ability to write information down and read it back.  At the holidays this might also happen when keeping a list of gifts to buy or writing and addressing holiday cards.  Depending on the type of vision loss there are several options to make these tasks easier.

The type of writing instrument used can make a difference. When a ballpoint pen is not dark enough sometimes a flair pen is an option.  Also available are “20/20” pens that write darker than a pen but are more legible than a marker.  They also don’t bleed through paper as a traditional marker might; however, it is good practice to write on only one side of a page.

Also important is the type of paper used.  If it is difficult to stay on the line when writing on traditional paper it may help to have paper with darker lines.  Bold line paper can be purchased with lines of varying thickness and space to write in. Some people find that writing on a yellow pad of paper is easier. Trying a variety of pens and paper may reveal a combination that works best.  If traditional greeting cards do not provide enough comfortable space to write, consider writing a note and tucking the signed note into the card. 

Keeping track of addresses is another undertaking that may seem more pressing at the holidays.  Large print address books are a good solution for those who like a formal address book.  Less formally, the addresses can be written on large index cards or on paper and kept in a binder or notebook.  Others find that having a friend or family member write or type the addresses in a large font works well. Perhaps that person could also type in and print out address labels.

Signing cards or checks can be accomplished with a signature guide. This small inexpensive piece of cardboard or plastic helps with signing “on the line”.  A similar guide is available for addressing envelopes.  Clip the guide to the envelope and write the address in the spaces provided.  This will assure the address is written straight and in the appropriate place.  Why not use the free return address labels that come in the mail instead of writing it out?

Always remember to use good lighting, contrast, and glare control when working on any near vision task like writing or reading.  With experimentation and practice it is possible to continue to write. Friends and family will enjoy hearing from you.  The products mentioned above are available in catalogs that sell items for people with vision loss.  Please feel free to contact me for more information. Happy Holidays!

Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.

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