Tips for the Visually Impaired: Marking, labeling, and locating objects

Eye Talk by Annie Schlesinger

Similar-shaped items may be labeled with a product called “Hi-Marks”, which is a three-dimensional liquid, or with “Puff Paint”, sold at fabric and craft shops. Marks may be applied in Braille or using any coding system of dots or lines. Tactile stickers can be used or you can wrap items with rubber bands.

Record information with the voice-labeling system called “PenFriend.” Self-adhesive labels are applied and can be recorded and re-recorded. You can then scan and instantly play back the recording.

Currency can be folded in different ways to indicate the values, or you can keep different bills in different compartments of your billfold or purse. Try to practice identifying coins by feel. They are each unique.

One of my favorites is using raised dots or bumps to mark microwaves buttons, thermostats, keys, and much more. I put a dot on the top of a polarized electric cord and then easily know which way to plug it in.

Phone numbers are easy to memorize and find by touch. The number 5 usually has a raised bump on it for getting your bearings on the keypad.

Purchase a luggage locator to put in the outside pocket of your airport luggage and put the remote on your keychain. When the bags come out, hit the remote and you will hear your bag beeping. Similar items are available to attach to keys, etc. Use a brass safety pin coding system to identify color of clothing or use iron-on patches in various sizes and shapes. You can place a brass safety pin on one corner of a fitted sheet to identify and match the corner of the bed where that sheet corner goes.

Many banks and credit card companies offer a toll-free number where you can use your phone’s dial pad to access information on your account.