I moved from California to Missouri in 1996. Arriving in the middle of a blizzard and frigid temperatures, I was ready to turn around and go back. I stayed though but I only knew two other people in the area. They were over the road truck drivers and were not home much.
When in 1997 I lost my sight I pretty much had to figure out a way to do the things that had to be done. Whether it was cooking a meal or doing a basic home repair. Did I learn all of these things right away? No, of course not. I learned by experimenting, trying and doing it over until I got it right. I made Cathy a nervous wreck at times with the things I would try. She was just sure I would cut off my arm or something. She needn't have worried. I was very careful and took all safety precautions. She no longer sits at the top of the stairs with the cordless phone in her hand, ready to call 911.
I discovered that there were many adaptive tools available to assist me with my building projects. I have a Braille marked tape measure, level that beeps if something is not level, framing square and a special painting kit to get those smooth edges. I am sure there are many others, but I have found that those and some regular tools will do the job. I do have a power miter saw with which I am very careful. Unless you are experienced with this kind of power equipment do not try it. You need training before you attempt projects like that. The most important tools are patience and time. I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning and sometimes I still have to do something more than once to make it right but I feel a particular sense of accomplishment each time I have a project that is finished and done well. You have to use common sense. Electrical wiring is not something someone who is blind should do along with others. I do some basic home maintenance, built a couple of rooms in our basement and am proud of what I have been able to do. My latest project was an insert to put in Cathy's nightstand to hold all of her nighttime medicines. It fits inside the drawer and has wholes drilled through it to slip the bottles in. When she gets one whose bottle doesn't fit in the hole, she just pours the medicine into a bottle that is already marked with the medication name. She loves it and it is a lot quieter than listening to her rummage around in that drawer at all hours of the night. It cost basically nothing to make. I used a piece of leftover paneling and a couple small pieces of wood to mount it to. Now her fully sighted sister wants one. If you have any questions you would like to ask regarding home repairs and or adaptive tools, please feel free to contact the First Steps office or send an E-mail with your question. I purchased these tools through the two catalogues listed below.
We would also be very interested in hearing about your projects and tools.
Peter Pyper