‘Home’ is not merely the place you live; it is the environment in which you feel most safe and secure. For those who are visually impaired, a poorly designed home fails to provide this basic comfort, with myriad safety concerns and little problems that need extra thought and care to navigate. Home adaptations for the visually impaired solve this problem, making the home exactly what it should be – a supportive sanctuary that can be independently navigated at ease.

At John Ford Group, we have identified the three key considerations when it comes to developing an accessible home design for blind or visually impaired people, ensuring a space that’s practical and inviting.

1 – Prioritising Safety

The first concern should always be the safety of everyone living at home. For those who are visually impaired, that means ensuring the following:

• Hazard-free movement
• Appropriate flooring
• Safe staircases

Hazard-free movement means keeping pathways clear. Home safety for the visually impaired starts by having a routine that prioritises a tidy environment that’s uncluttered from both daily objects and obstructive furniture. This is especially essential in hallways and doorways, where navigation needs to be easy.

Anti-slip flooring should be added to any areas that can become wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas. This helps increase confidence and safety when moving through the home.

Stairs are a particular hazard for people who are blind. Adding sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs helps with going up and down, but don’t forget that for those with visual impairments, it’s often hard to know where you are on the steps – a range of tactile indicators, both at hand height and for feet at the floor clearly mark the stair boundaries.

2 – Using Contrast and Texture

Tactile contact is particularly useful when making home adaptations for visually impaired residents. In addition to the stair boundaries, textured floor markers can be used at other key locations, such as at doorways that lead to different areas (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.). These are also great to help with orientation.

Colour contrast is an effective tool for those with visual difficulties but still have some measure of sight. Using high contrast with paint, such as contrasting colours between furniture and walls, makes the home more accessible to the visually impaired.

Contrast can be used in smaller areas, too, such as brightly colour-coded light switches, or handles for frequently-used cupboards. These techniques allow for quicker identification, making the home both safer and more convenient.

3 – Optimising Accessibility 

Having an accessible home design for blind family members isn’t just about the larger issues of safety and navigation, though; it’s also about convenience and access. There are many smaller touches that you can include when making home adaptations for the visually impaired, such as:

• Installing ‘smart-home’ features – Voice-activated lights, heating, music systems, TV and more all help with using the home. Modern smart-home equipment is extremely effective, and much has been designed specifically for the convenience and home safety of visually impaired people.
• Opting for user-friendly appliances – Avoid flat-panel, screen-type displays on appliances such as washing machines. Instead, choose those with tactile knobs and buttons that are easier to operate. Appliances with audio confirmation or voice controls are also preferable.
• User-friendly storage – Storage should be laid out in a memorable way, with frequently used items within easy reach. Clear tactile handles for cupboards and drawers make things easier. 

Professional Home Adaptations for the Visually Impaired

At John Ford Group, we have been making customised home adaptations for years and have the experience you need to create a safe and welcoming environment for your home. We understand how to implement the essential safety and smaller touches that bring comfort and confidence.

Our professional team can offer advice on the range of products that exist to improve the home life of the visually impaired, with expertise in everything from smart home technology to the larger issues of home reconfiguration and additional construction, should they be needed.

We work hand-in-hand with your occupational therapist to develop a solution that is tailor-made to your particular needs, resulting in a home that’s the sanctuary it should be.

For a safer, more inclusive living space, contact us at John Ford Group today.