I recently picked up the special chair I must use following the eye surgery I’m scheduled to have. The procedure I’ll be going through is called a vitrectomy, and the chair is called, of course, a vitrectomy chair. It looks like the kind of chair you’d sit in when you get a massage. The interesting thing is that there is so much assistive technology out there to help in whatever situation you find yourself in.
What assistive technology means
Assistive technology (A.T.) is any device or item that allows a person with a disability to increase their independence or improve their quality of life. We use so much A.T. in our daily lives that we often don’t think about it. A jar opener, a cane, a hearing aid, a voice assistant, and even a simple grabber tool can all fit that idea. But when you find yourself learning to cope with a new disability, checking out what’s available in A.T. is a wise move.
Sometimes people think of A.T. as something fancy or high tech. It can be, but it does not have to be. A.T. can be low tech, like a cushion, a special spoon, or a reacher. It can also be more complex, like a computer program that reads text out loud. What matters is whether the item helps you do more for yourself, in a safer or easier way.
What I found for my own recovery
The vitrectomy chair is only a part of what I was able to get from the Medical Supply store. Another A.T. item included in the package is a pad that helps you sleep face down. Keeping my head down helps with healing.
That is a good example of how A.T. can support recovery after surgery. Sometimes the need is short term. Sometimes it is longer term. Either way, the right item can make a big difference in comfort, healing, and peace of mind. When you are told to stay in one position, rest in a certain way, or avoid strain, it helps to have tools that make that possible.
If you ever need something like this, it can help to ask a few simple questions before you buy:
- What problem am I trying to solve?
- Will I use this for a few weeks, or for longer?
- Can I test it before I buy it?
- Will it fit my body, my home, or my car?
- Do I need help learning how to use it safely?
Those questions can save time and frustration. They can also help you choose an item that really matches your needs.
Tools for vision and reading
I’ve been checking out other types of A.T. I can use to help with my independence if my sight does not improve or worsens. There are magnifying glasses to help when I’m working with crafts and a program on my computer that will read aloud to me anything that arrives in written form.
That kind of support can help with many everyday tasks. For example, a person may use a magnifier to read mail, see patterns while sewing, or look at medicine labels. A screen reader can help someone read email, web pages, forms, and documents without needing to rely on eyesight alone. These tools can give a person more control and more confidence.
Special software exists for screen magnification on the computer, and I can adjust background colors to make it easier to read. Small changes can matter a lot. Bigger print, stronger contrast, or a different background color may make text much easier on the eyes. Some people do better with dark text on a light background. Others need the reverse. There is no one right answer. The best setting is the one that works for you.
A closed-circuit television system allows people with visual impairments to read books, magazines, newspapers, labels on bottles and cans, etc. While I am busy healing for the next few weeks, I’ll be listening to audio-books; I’m looking forward to that part of my recovery!
There are many ways to get information without reading print in the usual way. A person may use large-print materials, audio books, talking devices, or apps that scan and read text. It can take some practice to learn what works best. But once you find the right tool, daily life can feel less stressful.
Thinking ahead about independence
Whatever your disability, there is probably something in the way of A.T. that will help you live a more independent and more satisfying life. That is true whether your need is caused by an injury, an illness, a surgery, or a condition you have had for years. Independence does not mean doing everything alone. It means having the right supports so you can do what matters to you.
If you are wondering what might work for you, it can help to think about the parts of life that feel hardest right now. Is it reading? Cooking? Getting dressed? Moving around your home? Using the phone or computer? Driving? Once you know the problem area, you can look for a tool that matches that need. Many people also find it helpful to make a short list of tasks they want to do more easily.
Here are a few practical tips when you are looking at A.T.:
- Start with the task, not the product.
- Try items before you buy, if you can.
- Ask how to clean, store, and use the device.
- Look at both cost and long-term value.
- Check whether training or setup is needed.
- Think about whether the item can travel with you.
Sometimes the best A.T. is something simple and low cost. Sometimes it takes more planning. Either way, learning about your options can open up choices you did not know you had.
How DNL can help
Disability Network/Lakeshore staff are standing by to help you learn what items are available, what they cost, and how to pay for them. We can talk through your options, help you think about what fits your needs, and point you toward resources that may help. Our services are free.
If you are not sure where to start, call us at 616-396-5326 for more information. We are here to help people with disabilities live with more independence and more control over their daily lives.