Reading & Writing

 For Seniors with Vision Loss

Reading and writing are vital skills for independence, and vision loss calls for new techniques and adaptations. This section has information and tips for maintaining one’s ability to read and write, including information about large print, using assistive technology, sources for alternate format books, and more.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Reading

All about Braille, VisionAWARE
The history and structure of braille, with attention to the issues of learning braille as an adult; includes a discussion of finger sensitivity, and alternatives to braille.

Assistive Listening Devices for Vision Loss, VisionAWARE
A survey of literature in audio format, including audiocassette tapes, CDs, iPods, and digital talking books.

Large Print Books, Magazines, and Newspapers, VisionAWARE
VisionAWARE lists sources of large print materials, alternatives formats for reading, and tips for keeping track of appointments.

Reading and Vision Loss, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Options for readers, including large print, listening, and new technology; includes an online video.

Reading and Writing, American Foundation for the Blind
Alternate formats for reading and writing, including talking books, low vision devices, and braille; available in English and Spanish.

Reading and Writing with Low Vision and Blindness, VisionAWARE
Reading and writing with low vision optical and non-optical devices, braille, large print, listening, and handwriting.

Reading Tools and Techniques, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Information on a range of tools and techniques, such as enlarging font sizes, magnifiers, braille, lighting, and reading stands; includes online video.

Reading with Low Vision Optical Devices, VisionAWARE
Explanation of various low vision tools, including near and distance optical devices.

Tips for Making Print More Readable, American Foundation for the Blind
Using these guidelines makes print more legible for individuals with visual impairments; available in English and Spanish.

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Reading: Organizations & Resources to Explore

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress
Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program that circulates braille and audio materials to eligible borrowers in the United States.

Research: Reading

The Legibility of Typefaces for Readers with Low Vision: A Research Review, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
A review of the research on typeface legibility for adult readers with low vision. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Lighting Needs and Lighting Comfort During Reading with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
A study of the impact of lighting changes on the oral reading speeds of participants with age-related macular degeneration. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Resources for Adapting Low Vision Training Materials for the Adult with Low Literacy Skills, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
The low vision therapist can improve functional literacy with compensatory skills, assistive technology, and adaptation of materials.

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Writing

Handwriting, Vision Australia
This page offers practical strategies for writing legibly.

Signing Your Name and Handwriting for the Vision Impaired, VisionAWARE
Handwriting tips, techniques, and adaptations, as well as information about helpful products.

Writing Tools and Techniques, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Writing adaptations, tools, and techniques that are surprisingly low tech, inexpensive, and applicable almost immediately.

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