Leisure Activities for Day Centres

There is no one leisure activity that people with sight loss most enjoy or are most successful at. People with sight loss can try out activities that are already provided and then small adaptations can be made. In general, use bigger, bolder and brighter when modifying. Remember it can take time for older people with sight loss to adjust to these modifications so it is important that they are encouraged.

Reading and listening

Avid readers can listen to books on cassette tape or read large print books. The NCBI library service has a large selection of audio and large print books. Magazines with shiny glossy paper or newspapers with small print can be difficult to read. NCBI produces a range of magazines and newspapers on audiotape so that people can listen to them at their leisure.

Other quick solutions to reading

• An adjustable lamp that shines directly onto the page that the person is reading can help.

• Enlarge letters, a newspaper article or a crossword on a photocopier.
• Prop a book up with a telephone directory while reading. This can help a person can get closer to the book and see it more clearly.
• A person with sight loss might try using a magnifying glass, for reading and up close work. Any person with sight loss can make an appointment with one of our low vision services to receive an assessment for a prescribed magnifier.
• Keep some chairs near to a window so that the person can choose to read in natural light.
• Some people like other people to read to them, either one to one or as a group. In a centre, group listening could include extracts from a local newspaper or novel reading.

Watching television

Being closer to the television may help a person to see it more easily. Make sure that the television is not positioned in front of a window, as the window can create glare on the screen. Try adjusting the colour and contrast buttons on the television to increase visibility. Distance magnifiers prescribed by NCBI’s low vision service can help some people to see the TV more clearly. The NCBI library produces the RTE Guide on audiotape, so that the person can listen to listings of television and radio programmes.

Writing

Think bigger and bolder. A writing frame or thick lined notebook, available from NCBI resource centres, can act as a guide to help a person with sight loss write in straight lines. An envelope guide can help a person to address an envelope. A black felt-tip marker on white paper can make it easier for a person to see what they have written. An adjustable lamp, which shines light directly onto the writing paper, can also be useful.

Using a computer

• Computers can offer a great way of getting back to reading and writing to many people with sight loss.
• Don’t place a computer screen in front of a window where the window can create a glare on the screen.
• Bold keyboard stickers can help people to recognise keys on the keyboard. These are available from NCBI resource centres.
• Magnification and / or screen reading software magnify text and pictures or read aloud what is on the computer screen. Depending on the person’s level of vision, there are different technical aids that can help.
• Arrange for the person to have an assessment with the NCBI technology assessment service who can help the person to identify what equipment best suits them.

Sewing or knitting

People with sight loss can continue to enjoy knitting. Self-threading needles, an automatic needle threader and a tactile tape measure available from NCBI resource centres can help. The person can borrow books about knitting on tape, large print or braille from "NCBI’s library service": http://www.ncbi.ie/services/services-for-individuals/library.

Some quick solutions for knitting:
* Larger needles and brightly coloured wool can be helpful.
* Some people find it useful to place a blanket across their lap, which contrasts with the colour of the material that they are using.

Potting and planting

Potting and planting is a popular activity amongst many people with sight loss. For avid gardeners, the NCBI library service produces audio copies of the monthly magazine ‘Irish Gardens’. People might also like to get in touch with Thrive an organisation that provides information and advice for gardeners with a disability.

Games and puzzles

There are numerous games and activities that may be enjoyed in your centre. For some ideas, have a look at the games available from the NCBI resource centres. We have a large selection of tactile and large print games such as large print and easy to see playing cards, braille playing cards, scrabble, monopoly, ludo, chess and dominoes as well as large print crossword puzzles and quizzes.

Arts and crafts

A persons’ reduced sight should not prohibit them from participating in art and crafts. When doing art and crafts, have a place for everything and keep it in that place so the person with sight loss can locate it when they need it. You can experiment and try out different media. For example, by using charcoal and pastels on contrasting colour paper some people can see colours more clearly. For still life, colourful props with definite shapes can make the objects easier to see. People with sight loss often prefer to use acrylic paints because they are bright and allow over painting. Try out tactile material for collage work e.g. felts, pasta, paper maché. Pottery and wool crafts can all be carried out with a few modifications. Think about adjusting the lighting level in the room so that close up work is illuminated. By trying out different materials, being creative and keeping an open mind art and crafts can be a lot of fun! The list of art activities that can be offered is endless.

Exercises, movement and relaxation

Armchair aerobics or movement to music sessions can be provided in the Day Centre. Seek professional advice about these activities. Provide activities that don’t rely on sight such as music, reminiscence, quizzes or discussions. Other activities that could be offered are Tai Chi, reflexology, aromatherapy, hand massage and manicure that stimulate touch and smell. Organise theme days such as an Italian day, wine and cheese tasting. Talks from visitors on different interesting topics such as a speaker from the local museum. Arrange trips to the beach, or to the races. A person does not have to see everything to sense the atmosphere.