UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

hey everyone hope things are good for you at the moment.

i am after some advice i am awaiting a flat of my own and i have the problem of not being able to read the dials on a cooker or washing machine.

my visual impairment officer will help me with this i am sure.

its just there seems to be an endless amount of things needing done to prepare for it.

the reason i am moving into a flat of my own is the doctors think that it would act as an aid in my recovery from my mental health problems.

i guess i have realised that i need help from people and will have to accept that if i am to succeed on my own two feet.

has anyone any ideas for lighting or any aids i could use to help me around the new home. when it happens.

i was even thining of an intercom as i cant really see out a spyhole or glass properly.

i should just relax and stop worrying and deal with it when it happens.

first step is to place myself on the housing list and take it from there lol.

Hi James
I think it's good news that you will be getting a place of your own - but it must seem a bit daunting too. I don't know what local organisations exist in your part of the country, but I have a local resource centre for the visually impaired. Their website can be found at the following link...

http://www.saffronsight.org.uk

There are lots of suggestions there which might help to make life easier for you, lighting, kitchen aids etc and they provide links to suppliers too which have even more things when you get on those websites . At least it might give you a few ideas to be thinking about. There are also links to other good sites - http://www.whitestick.co.uk is really good too.

Keep us up to speed with how things are going. Hope all goes well.

Best wishes

James,
Big step but the right one I am sure. Good luck with it all. I am sure it will take a wee while to get everything sight-friendly but once you do it should be well worth it.

James,

Good luck.

Intercom is an excelent idea.

As for cooking dials, the few times I have looked at new ones the ones with LED's have impressed me.

Seems you will be getting out and about a lot to find what is out there and what might be best for you.

James

The RNIB has a training centre in Glasgow (actually it is part of the Scottish Power Training centre at Finnieston quay).

I'd contact them and ask for help with orientation etc.. For my part I find it far easier to move about in the dark where I am not tempted to rely too heavily on my very limited sight.

An intercom is a very good idea; but there are all sorts of other aids, such as talking dials for cookers, washing machines etc. There is a wonderful little gizmo that you hook over the rim of a cup and it beeps when the tea you are pouring comes close to the lip.

I think that your local authority sensory deprivation team will be able to let you know everything that is available for you.

All the best in your new home. I hope you do not have to wait too long. I guess you will start off with pretty high housing points.

Andrew

thanks a lot for the advice i have a meeting with my visual impairment worker on friday i will talk to her and see what she can do to help me.

i should be placed quite well on the housing list as i am 25 and single.

haha sure i will.

also it was my doctor and occupational therapist that reccomened i move in on my own so i could get a letter from them and get extra points.


will keep you posted

all the best take care

james