Longer days, warmer weather, and fresh air, summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy everything the season has to offer. Whether it’s planting flowers, firing up the grill, or browsing your favorite farmer’s market, these everyday activities can be both fun and accessible for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. With a few helpful tips and tricks, summer becomes more enjoyable. If you’re looking to explore new hobbies or simply want to make your favorite warm weather routines a little easier, this guide is for you.
Making Outdoor Maintenance More Manageable
Yard care isn’t just about curb appeal. It’s about pride, independence, and getting outside to enjoy the sunshine. With the right setup and tools, activities like gardening and lawn mowing can be manageable.
For gardening, raised garden beds are a great option. They make it easier to reach your plants without having to crouch or kneel. To help with orientation, you can line the edges with tactile markers, such as rope, textured tape, or wooden borders. You can use different shapes, materials, or textures to identify your herbs, veggies, or flowers. Tools like soil moisture sensors provide helpful audio feedback, and ergonomic gloves allow you to feel what you’re working on, preventing injury from gardening tools. While apps like Seeing AI can assist with identifying seed packets by reading labels aloud.
Mowing the lawn might seem challenging, but with a few simple adjustments, it becomes entirely manageable. Try using a self-propelled lawn mower with tactile or labeled controls. Many people who are blind or visually impaired also find success using guiding techniques like laying down rope or stakes to mow in straight lines. Your neighbor might not like it, but some individuals with low vision also allow their grass to grow a little longer. For those looking for a low-maintenance option, robotic lawn mowers are a great investment, especially if you currently rely on outside help. While they can be costly upfront, they offer long-term convenience.
Grill Master Tips for Stress-Free BBQs
Grilling is a summer staple, and while an open flame can be intimidating, techniques exist to ensure your safety when you’re firing up the grill. Start by using grill models with tactile buttons or knobs. If your grill isn’t already equipped with these, try adding bump dots to mark key settings, such as “on/off” or specific temperature zones. The same concept applies to labeling condiments and seasonings.
When it comes to checking food, a talking meat thermometer can take out the guesswork and help you grill to perfection. For added safety, wear heat-resistant gloves and use long-handled tongs to keep a comfortable distance from the flames. Grill baskets are also a helpful addition, keeping food organized and easier to manage on the grill surface.
Planning for Outdoor Adventures
From concerts and farmers markets to park picnics and community events, summer is full of opportunities to explore. With a little planning and the right resources, transportation and navigation don’t have to be barriers.
If you don’t drive, there are still several ways to get where you want to go:
- Paratransit services: Most cities, including Omaha, offer shared-ride transportation services for people with disabilities. If you haven’t signed up with Metro Transit’s MOBY program, now might be a great time to do so. There are additional options available for those outside city limits, like Bellevue and Papillion.
- Public transportation: Buses are a great option for getting around town. You can use apps like MyRide OMA to check real-time bus schedules and get step-by-step audio navigation to stops.
- Rideshare apps: Apps like Uber and Lyft can be great tools for spontaneous trips or getting to places that aren’t easily accessible by bus. These apps are screen reader-friendly, and you can save your most frequently used locations to make booking easier.
Once you arrive, adaptive tech can help you confidently navigate outdoor spaces. Try these tools:
- Be My Eyes: Connect with volunteers who can assist with reading signs, identifying items, or navigating new environments.
- Seeing AI: A powerful app that identifies text, objects, surroundings, and even currency.
You can also call ahead to events or venues to inquire about accessibility accommodations, such as guided tours or ADA seating. Planning your route and having your go-to tools ready can make any summer outing smoother and more enjoyable.
Summer should be filled with freedom, joy, and connection, and vision loss doesn’t have to limit your experience. From gardening and grilling to navigating your favorite community events, there are more ways than ever to enjoy the season safely and independently.
Do you have a favorite summer tip or tool that we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear about it! Connect with us to share.
