Labeling and Marking: A Guide for Low Vision and Blindness
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Living with vision changes or blindness often involves navigating unique challenges. Tasks like identifying household items, organizing medications, or distinguishing clothing may feel frustrating. A thoughtful and consistent labeling and marking system will enhance independence and streamline everyday routines.
This guide explores practical strategies, from utilizing common household items to leveraging specialized low cost/low tech products, empowering you to create a personalized labeling system that works for you and your surroundings. Whether differentiating canned goods in the pantry, marking appliance settings, or organizing your wardrobe, effectively labeling and marking items, using the techniques described, will lead to greater confidence and control in your daily life.
Key Questions When Choosing a Labeling System
- Permanence and Reusability: Should your labeling system be permanent, or do you need the flexibility of reusable labels?
- Durability: Does the labeling material have to be durable and withstand laundering and/or daily use?
- Attachment and Placement: How will the label be attached to an item? Will its placement impact use?
- Planning Ahead: Prepare labels in advance, based on your shopping list, and label items before you put them away.
Using Everyday Products for Labeling
You can implement several labeling systems with regular household, office supply materials, or specialty labeling products. If you have low vision, try using any of the following:
- White or fluorescent unruled 3″x 5″ index cards
- Jumbo colored paper clips
- Colored Dymo labeling tape
- Colored electrical or plastic tape
- Polymark fabric/craft paint
Creating Tactile Labels
If you are blind or if your vision changes from day to day, try using any of the following to create raised or tactile markings:
- Velour pads/furniture protectors
- Polymark fabric/craft paint
Identifying and Labeling Household Items
You can label and identify items around the house using any of the following methods:
- Place a rubber band around a can of corn to distinguish it from a can of green beans.
- Use a black wide-tip marker, a laundry marker, or a felt-tip pen to write in large, bold letters on plain white 3×5″ index cards. Use these labels to differentiate household supplies stored in similar spray containers, such as window, bathroom, and all-purpose cleaners. Attach each card to the appropriate container.
- Use brightly colored electrical or plastic tape, pipe cleaners, Velcro, fabric or craft paint, or velour pads/furniture protectors to place markers on canned goods.
- Create tactile labels for bolts, nails, or paper clips in individual containers by gluing one of each item to the outside of the container.
- Place a different number of rubber bands around each container.
- Transfer items to different-shaped containers.
- Tie different-textured ribbons around the neck or opening of each container.
Identifying Kitchen Items
There are many different methods for organizing and identifying items in your kitchen:
- By weight: A container of breadcrumbs and a container of powdered drink mix have the same size and shape, but you can differientate them by weight.
- By location or placement: Try grouping similar items, such as fruits, soups, or vegetables; placing frequently-used items toward the front of shelves and cabinets; storing foods or supplies alphabetically.
- By sound: Use auditory cues to differentiate items with the same size, shape, and weight. For example, when shaken, a can of fruit cocktail sounds very different from a can of tomato paste.
- By size and shape: A can of tomato paste differs in size and shape from a can of stewed tomatoes.
Use Specialty Labeling Products
There are also many specialty labeling products for people who are blind or have low vision.
- Braille Clothing Identifiers: Durable and washable white plastic tags with braille and corresponding black print. You can sew or pin them onto the garment. Each label contains two to three braille letters you can learn to recognize by touch without reading the entire braille system. You can purchase Braille Clothing Identifiers here.
- Color Mates Clothing Identifiers: Package of 160 tags, 16 colors in different shapes on safety pins to identify, mix, and match wardrobe items. You can purchase Color Mates here.
- Spot ‘n Line Pen: A three-dimensional plastic liquid that makes raised lines, dots, and shapes to identify clothing, canned goods, frozen foods, and mark appliance settings. You can purchase a Spot n Line Pen here.
- Bump Dots: Black, orange, and clear raised plastic dots with adhesive backing to mark index cards, appliances, computers, and keyboards. Do not use them directly on clothing items. You can purchase Bump Dots here.
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- Touch-To-See Labels: Braille and tactile adhesive labels to mark index cards, medication, and food. Each reusable label contains a raised letter or number with corresponding braille. They cannot be used directly on the clothing item. You can purchase a Touch To See Labeling Sheet here.
- VOXCOM III Voice Labeling System: Record audio talk labels and messages by depressing a button and inserting a card into the unit. The card attaches to canned goods, medication, clothing, food, and household items. You can purchase a Voxcom here.
Marking Appliances
Seeing the dials on a stove and other appliances is often very difficult. You can use bump (tactile) dots or 3D pens (Hi-Mark pens). Mark stovetops or the oven dial at the point you use most. For example, 350 degrees is a common setting for baking when using ovens. Place a mark above the dial then turn the knob until the mark on the dial matches the one on the stove. Also, if you’re in the market for a new oven, look for a brand that automatically sets the oven to 350 degrees when turned on.
When purchasing small appliances, look for items that have tactile settings or large-print displays.
Tactile Dots on Stove
Mark all other appliances and appliance features you plan to use (refrigerator temperature and water and ice dispensers, dishwasher, microwave, etc.) Some microwaves come with a braille overlay or large-print labels you can order from the manufacturer. Some appliances may also be controllable via a smartphone app or smart speaker skill.
Labeling Medication
For tips on labeling pill bottles, prescription organizers, and talking medication devices, visit Medication Management.
Embracing Clarity and Independence Through Effective Labeling
Empowering independence for individuals with low vision or blindness often starts with simple yet effective strategies. Establishing a thoughtful labeling and marking system, whether through readily available household items or specialized tactile and auditory tools, will reduce frustrations and enhance self-sufficiency. By considering your individual needs and preferences, experimenting with different techniques, and consistently applying these methods, you can create a personalized system that brings greater clarity and control to your environment. Ultimately, easily identifying and differentiating items fosters confidence, promotes safety, and lets you engage fully with the world around you. Embrace these labeling and marking techniques as valuable tools on your journey toward greater independence and a more organized and accessible life.
Learn More
Links to Sources of Helpful Products – ConnectCenter
Labeling Clothing, Laundering, and Cleaning