Equipment

Everyday equipment to make life easier.

Tools and gadgets

A wide range of tools and gadgets are available that make it easier for blind and partially sighted people to manage household tasks.

A few examples are:

Devices that alert you when a pot of liquid begins to boil.
Gadgets that make a sound when a cup or container you're pouring liquid into is nearly full.
Knives with an adjustable guide to help you cut slices of even thickness.
Tactile watches and alarm clocks.

Accessible technology and telephones

Computer products and telephone systems that are particularly useful include:

Mobile phones with tactile, well-spaced buttons and a function that reads text messages aloud.
Telephones with large colour-contrasting keypad.
Computer screen readers.
Magnification software.

Television licence

If you're registered blind with your local council, you're entitled to a 50 per cent discount on your television licence.

Find out more about how to apply for a reduction on your TV licence.

Personal alarm systems

Telecare or personal alarm systems can help you feel more reassured about living safely. The equipment can sense risk such as smoke, floods and gas, can remind you to take pills and even call for help if you fall.

Find out more about personal alarm systems on the Disabled Living Foundation website.

Where to buy equipment

You could visit one of the Action for Blind People Resource Centres and try out equipment and ask for advice.

Or you could browse the RNIB online shop.

There are many other suppliers of equipment.