How can I help my parent continue to enjoy books after her vision loss?
My mother was always an avid reader, so losing much of her vision has affected her lifestyle. What's more, she refuses to listen to audio books. How can I convince her to give them a try?
Expert Answer
Many devices, from stand magnifiers to closed-circuit TV screen reading machines, enable even individuals with severe visual impairment to read, so a sudden switch from reading to exclusively listening isn't necessary for most people.
The best way to identify appropriate devices is to have a low-vision evaluation and rehabilitation training, if available in your community. For locating services in your area and other resources, see the American Academy of Ophthalmology patient handout,
SmartSight: Making the Most of Remaining Vision
.
If your mother can use such devices to read her mail, bills, and maybe even large-print books, she may then be willing to supplement her "reading" by listening to longer books on tape.
Typically, tape players are small and have low-contrast buttons, which makes them difficult for people with visual impairments to use. The Library of Congress, however, provides an excellent books-on-tape service that includes a free tape player, on permanent loan, that's very easy to use. You can sign up for it through the
National Library Service
.
You might offer to listen to an audio book with your mother for the first chapter or two, until she's comfortable with the process and the technology.
And if she's still reluctant to use a recorder, think about giving her a tape or CD that she'll surely want to hear -- like her distant grandchild's vocal performance -- to introduce her to the joys of listening!