Make Your Cane Your Own

Several visually impaired people walking around using white canes.

What is white with a touch of red, and is a basic Mobility tool allowing great independence for blind travelers? Yes, it is the “long cane.” Its white color is exactly the feature that makes it effective during outdoor travel. People understand what it means, and that fact can lead to increased safety for cane…

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What is Tactile Paving?

A visually impaired man and women using their white canes to track the path of tactile paving.

When you walk, you probably notice a series of small yellow domes in a grid pattern on sidewalks. While these may seem like an aesthetic choice, they are there to help those living with a visual impairment safely navigate their surroundings. What is Tactile Paving? These patterns are called tactile paving (also known as ground…

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Protecting Children’s Vision While Learning Virtually

A desktop that shows several kids participating in the camp in a box program.

Digital eye strain was an issue before COVID-19, but now it’s becoming a bigger one, with some kids spending more time on their devices and learning virtually. Dr. Allen Zuck, a low vision specialist for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, or CABVI, says increased screen time due to remote learning can…

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Turnbull TV #42 – USA Blind Hockey Team

A preview of the video with Dylan on the left, Tim in the middle, and Kevin on the right. The background image is a picture of the USA Blind Hockey team. The text says Turnbull TV #42, USA Blind Hockey.

We are super excited about this week’s episode! From three different states, we sit down with two members of the USA Blind Hockey team as well as Dylan Drexler from Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired – CABVI (CABVI). Last week would have been the third year for training camp for team USA…

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What Are The Different Types of White Canes?

A visually impaired man using a white cane to cross the street. A sighted guide is walking next to the visually impaired man.

The white cane. A tool that many who are blind or visually impaired rely on to navigate their surroundings. While at first glance, these canes might look the same. However, they are many variations on the simple white cane that allows users to safely navigate the world around them. Here are some of the different…

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Reading Books with Visual Impairments

A woman reading a tablet.

Books can transport you to new worlds, help you learn about new topics, and expand your way of thinking. Vision loss can make experiencing those stories a struggle. However, adaptive technology makes it possible to enjoy your favorite stories. Here are a few ways to read books with a visual impairment: Using Magnifiers and Screen…

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Last of Us II and Accessibility in Video Games

A screenshot of the video game "The Last of Us Part 2". Ellie, the main character, is riding a horse into a abandoned city.

Video games are a great way to transport players to new worlds and tell new stories. However, video games are a very visual medium, while also needing fast reflexes, good hearing, and great vision to be able to play. These can make it hard for those who are blind or visually impaired to interact with…

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US Census Rubber Band Contract

An employee using the rubberband machine.

If you noticed a rubber band when you filled out this year’s US Census, we had a hand on that band. The rubber bands are part of the AbilityOne program, meaning that we have the rights to sell this product to the federal government. Mike Blake, the product manager for the rubber bands, oversaw progress…

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How You Can Make Social Media More Accessible.

A hand holding a cellphone. The screen shows several social networking apps.

Social Media is a great way to connect with family, friends, and people all around the world. It’s how we celebrate important moments in life, and also, cat pictures. However, social media platforms were not designed to accommodate those with visual impairments. In recent years, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter rolled out features dedicated…

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How to Cook Food Safely with a Visual Impairment

Two females in a kitchen learning vision rehabilitation therapy skills by cutting up celery

Cooking is a vital skill in a person’s everyday life. It can be a fun hobby or a way to try new foods at home. However, when vision loss gets involved, navigating the kitchen may seem like a monumental task. Vision loss does not have to mean the end of cooking, so here are a…

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