February is Low-Vision Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and understanding of visual impairments.
Vision impairments come in many forms. From eye injuries to eye conditions, or just the decline in visual acuity that affects many older adults, a limited visual field can have an impact on daily activities.
Visual timers in general can be useful for individuals with low vision. For instance, an eye-care vision specialist may recommend to a patient at an eye exam to stop looking at the small clock numbers in the top corner of a laptop. For the sake of preserving eye health by limiting strain, or from recovering from a medical treatment that requires vision rehabilitation, a visual timer can help.
However, these timers can always be made more accessible, especially for people who cannot see a visual timer at all. This year, we're excited to highlight a product that's making a real difference in the lives of people with low or no vision: the Time Timer Braille.
What Is the Time Timer Braille?
The Time Timer Braille 8" timer is an innovative visual timer designed to make time management accessible for everyone, regardless of their visual ability.
It features a high-contrast red or black disk and braille numbers, along with an open-face design that allows for a tactile experience. This unique combination of visual and tactile elements makes it ideal for individuals with low vision or blindness, as well as those learning braille.
Key Features
- High-Contrast Disk: The bright red or black disk provides a clear visual representation of time passing, making it easier for people with low vision to perceive.
- Flat or foldable feet: Set it down flat on rubberized feet, or prop it up on foldable feet.
- Braille Numbers: Embossed braille numbers on the timer's face allow users to tactilely read and set the time.
- Open-Face Design: The open-face design encourages tactile exploration and interaction with the timer, promoting a deeper understanding of time.
- No Loud Ticking: The silent operation eliminates distractions and makes the timer suitable for use in quiet environments.
- Tactile Set Bar: A tactile bar allows users to easily set the desired time without relying on visual cues.
Benefits for Individuals with Low Vision
The Time Timer Braille offers numerous benefits for individuals with low vision:
- Increased Independence: The timer enables users to manage their time independently, without relying on sighted assistance.
- Improved Time Management: The clear visual and tactile representation of time helps users develop better time-management skills.
- Enhanced Learning: The timer can be used as a learning tool for braille and time-management concepts.
- Reduced Anxiety: The predictable countdown feature can help reduce anxiety and stress associated with time-bound activities.
How to Use the Time Timer Braille
Using the Time Timer Braille is simple:
- Set the desired time by rotating the tactile bar.
- The high-contrast disk will start to disappear clockwise, visually representing the remaining time. For those with no vision, touching the timer can indicate where in the countdown the timer is at.
- Users can set an optional audible alert to sound when the timer is up.
Time Timer Braille: A Game-Changer for Accessibility
The Time Timer Braille is a truly inclusive product that's making a positive impact on the lives of people with visual impairments. By combining visual and tactile elements, it provides a unique and effective way for everyone to manage their time and achieve their goals.
During Low-Vision Awareness Month this February, let's celebrate products like the Time Timer Braille that are breaking down barriers and creating a more accessible world for all.
