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Ingenious Ideas: Illuminated Magnifiers

Ingenious Ideas: Illuminated Magnifiers

Living with a visual disability shouldn’t mean you miss out on reading your favourite newspapers, books or magazines. If you have impaired vision, there is no reason you can’t benefit from this great product: an illuminated stand magnifier, meaning whatever you need or want to look at can be even further magnified, making it clearer to see.
As well as reading for pleasure, there are many occasions where you might need to be able to read something and it can be frustrating to need other people’s support, with a stand magnifier, you can read your own bills, letters and such like and act on them independently without the need of support from others around you.

Stand Magnifiers: adjustable and illuminated

There are a huge range of magnifiers on the market but the most effective ones are complete with LED lighting and a sturdy adjustable stand of their own, meaning you can use them with ease whatever you want to read. This video shows a particularly popular brand in use:

These models were originally designed for use by crafters and those working with small parts but they have become more popular in the disability sector as people have realised how valuable they can be for those living with visual disabilities. Some models come complete with neck cord rather than a stand and this is just as useful when trying to read or decipher something. They can even be used for completing crosswords and puzzles.

Portable pocket devices

In addition to the larger home models available, you can also get illuminated magnifiers small enough to fit on a key ring, brilliant for when you’re out and about and you might need to check things such as price tickets etc. Rather than asking a shop assistant or fellow shopper for help, you can simply use your magnifier to check out the cost of something yourself.
If you’re interested in purchasing a magnifier, click in one of the boxes below:

Essential Items: Liquid Level indicator

Essential Items: Liquid Level indicator

At Living with Disability, we think it’s important to look at the products which assist people with different disabilities. Previously, we looked at Talking Tin Lids, which can be a great aid for anybody with a visual impairment and today, we’re looking more closely at Liquid Level indicators, which can be a huge help and reduce risks in the home.

A Liquid Level Indicator in use

A Liquid Level Indicator is a RNIB approved item which indicates two different levels of liquid via both beeps and vibrations. When the liquid has reached the total limit of the beaker, glass or cup in question, the beeps will speed up and the vibrations will be continuous, informing user that the liquid has reached its limit. This is a really ingenious invention which can help avoid any nasty spills and even potential burns from hot drinks.

The Liquid Level indicator is battery powered and can be attached to any drinking vessel. The prongs which indicate the level will begin to make the sounds and vibrations when they are reached so you can be assured of being in control. It’s safe to be used in the fridge and it’s users and are extremely pleased with how well it works. The design is extremely intuitive and so it makes a great gift for people of any age. Customers are impressed with how user friendly the product is and how it helps eliminate mess and stains from spilled drinks.

This video shows exactly how the product works and exactly how easy it is to use.

If you’re interested in purchasing a liquid level indicator for yourself or for a friend simply click in the box below:

Essential Items: Talking Tin Lids

Essential Items: Talking Tin Lids

You can use your Talking Tin Lid on any food container

If you have a visual disability, then having your kitchen set up in the right way is essential to avoid the many risks that could occur. The RNIB and other charities work tirelessly to provide gadgets and inventions which can make the kitchen a safer place and somewhere you can independently access everything you need. One of their inventions is the talking tin lids, a truly great idea.

Talking tin lids are a specially designed recording produce which can help you identify the contents of any food storage container, most obviously tinned foods. They are extremely easy to record messages on and then you know exactly what’s in the tin and also, if there’s space you can record a best before date too, further enhancing your food safety in the home.

The majority of talking tin lids available has a 10 second recording time although you can get them with up to 40 seconds. In 10 seconds it is possible to say “baked beans, best before 15th Dec” for example so you can ensure you know what product is there and how long its shelf life is. The talking tin lids fit comfortably with magnets to all tin lids including ring pull tins but excluding those that have aluminium lids. You can also use them on other containers as they come with a self-adhesive metal disc and/or an elastic strap to attach them with. However, the tin lids are not microwave or freezer safe so keep this in mind whilst using them.

They have received some great reviews from the visually impaired community, many of whom are delighted by the fact that they aid daily independence and make finding ingredients and cooking much easier than before.  There are many different options and they can be used on containers of all shapes and sizes due to the additional adhesive choice.


If you are interested in finding out more about Talking Tin Lids please click the box.

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