I couldn't pin down a decent answer for this one. This one has eluded previous attempts at an answer, but today I revisited the cold-question wild mild success.
From The American Foundation for the Blind and VisionAware: Resources for Independent Living with Vision Loss:
- For a person who is "legally blind" and does not live in complete darkness, make use of contrasting colors to highlight important items in a room. If the room is white, paint electrical sockets and light switches black. Also, vivid colorations highlighted by lighting can create pleasant variety in what the eye picks up.
- Arrange the furniture in a safe arrangement that does not inhibit "obvious flow" of traffic. If rugs rugs are used, make sure all edges are taped down to avoid tripping hazards.
- Use varying textures to help the sightless re-orient themselves within the living space if necessary. Consider using different upholsteries for different chairs and pillows. Avoid patterns on upholstery and flooring - stripes and checks and create confusion for people who are moderately vision impaired.
- Appeal to the sense of smell with varying incenses, potpourris, or fresh cut flowers to be inviting. Having a devoted place for the smells to originate from will also help the vision impaired to stay oriented in the room.
- Windchimes and fountains can provide great audio cues within a home
- Always push in chairs when they are not being used at a table
- Use non-skid finishes on any hardwood or linoleum flooring
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