Creative pursuits with a vision impairment
As someone loses their sight, they may feel that they can no longer continue with creative pursuits such as painting, woodturning or trips to the theatre.
In fact, when our veterans come to us, they’ve often already given up on their passion, no matter how much they enjoyed it, as their deteriorating sight has made it too difficult.
However, with just a few adaptations and the right support, we show them that it’s always possible to enjoy the arts, whatever their level of vision.
“I go by the colours when I do my flower arrangements, whereas for knitting I do it by touch and feel, counting every row."
How to find support
The following websites and organisations provide useful information and tips on how to get the most out of the arts if you have a vision impairment.
Vocal Eyes is an organisation dedicated to bringing art and culture to life at theatres, museums, galleries and heritage sites for blind and vision impaired people through audio description.
Low vision specialists, Low Vision Aids, have put together their suggestions and tips for craft activities, covering everything from pottery to painting, knitting to soap carving.
Vision Enhancers is a company specialising in magnifying glass and low vision aids, and has a range of equipment especially for crafting.
Award-wining disability writer, speaker and activist, Chloe has written a helpful blog post on crafting with a visual impairment.
Euan’s Guide provides a website full of accessibility reviews of venues around the country and beyond, including the best – and worse – theatres, art galleries and museums.
Sight loss charity, RNIB, provides tips and contacts for sight loss support in creative writing, photography, music, drama and dance, pottery and crafts, and painting.
VI-friendly kits
Beneficiaries of Blind Veterans UK can receive VI-friendly creative activities for them to do from the comfort of their own home. Please speak to your community support worker to find out more.
“I struggled to continue with woodturning because I couldn’t measure things anymore, for example. You learn ways to adapt, though, and it’s great to be able to pass those skills onto others.”
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