Reading
Print, screens, labels and signs may need to be larger, higher contrast, spoken or in braille.
An everyday field guide
Vision
Blindness and low vision cover a wide range of experiences: central or peripheral vision loss, blurred vision, light sensitivity, difficulty with contrast, or no light perception at all. Many people's vision changes over time or with lighting and fatigue.
Information can be spoken, enlarged, made more distinct, or read through touch. Good access offers choices rather than assuming everyone uses sight in the same way.
Reading preferences
Choose what feels comfortable. Settings are shared with every Waythrough page and saved on this browser when storage is available.
A quiet page by design: no animated backgrounds, flashing, or automatic media.
What it can involve
Everyone's experience is different. You might recognize some of these, all of them, or none.
Getting around
Steps, kerbs, obstacles and unfamiliar places may need different cues.
Light and glare
Bright light, dim rooms or reflections can make a big difference to what's visible.
Recognizing things
Faces, colors, money or packaging may be identified through other means.
Tools to explore
Start with what you already have. Feature names vary by device and software version.
Already on many devices
- Screen readers: VoiceOver (Apple), TalkBack (Android) and Narrator (Windows).
- Zoom, magnifier and larger text settings.
- Dark mode, color filters, increased contrast and reduced transparency.
- Camera-based magnifier apps for reading menus, labels and post.
Low-tech and everyday
- Good task lighting and anti-glare filters or tinted glasses.
- Tactile bump dots and high-contrast tape on appliances and steps.
- Bold-lined paper and thick black pens.
- A white cane or guide dog, with orientation and mobility training.
Specialist options
- Refreshable braille displays that work with phones and computers.
- Desktop video magnifiers (CCTVs) for reading print and handwriting.
- OCR and AI description apps that read printed text or describe scenes.
- Talking devices such as scales, thermometers and labelling systems.
Before you choose
- Does it work with the screen reader or magnifier you already use?
- Can you set it up independently, or will you need help the first time?
- Is there training available, especially for braille or screen readers?
- How does it perform in the lighting where you'll actually use it?
Costs, availability, compatibility, and suitability vary. Before paying, check trial options, ongoing fees, privacy settings, repair support, and whether a tool works with what you already use. A simple or free option may be the best fit.
Start small. Stay in charge.
Try one thing
Explore display settings
Try text size, bold text, contrast and zoom on the device you use most.
Learn a few gestures
If you're trying a screen reader, practice a handful of gestures in a quiet moment. Built-in tutorials can help.
Adjust one space
Improve lighting or add tactile markers to one area you use daily, such as the kitchen.
Who can help
Support is optional and on your terms. Names and availability of services vary by country and region.
Rehabilitation or vision support worker
Can teach daily-living skills and recommend equipment.
Orientation and mobility specialist
Can teach safe travel with a cane or other aids.
Optometrist or low-vision clinic
Can assess vision and prescribe magnifiers and other optical aids.
AI descriptions and OCR can be wrong. Do not use them as your sole navigation or safety guide.