With Thanksgiving around the corner so comes the gathering of family and friends that you haven't seen in a while. While it may be tricky planning for this assortment of guests, the question is are you able to accommodate everyone coming over for the holidays including the visually impaired? While canned cranberry may be enough for that one uncle there may need to be more done this year for those who need a little extra. 

Looking At The Facts

Approximately 12 million people 40 years and over in the United States have vision impairment. When it comes to quality of life for many of these people affected, it can often feel alienating to not be able to participate in many activities due to lack of vision. However, there are many solutions to ensure you or a loved one can join in on all the family fun this season thanks to assistive technology.

Never Miss A Precious Moment Again

If a loved one is afraid of missing out on the big game with the family or even a little backyard football no fear for digital magnifiers are definitely here! 

Magnifying television glasses, for example, are meant to magnify at a distance. If you put these on while sitting in your chair, the television will appear twice as large, which may be exactly what you need to see what's going on. If that doesn't seem like enough, a spectacle-mounted telescope can be recommended, which will allow you to magnify distant objects even more.

Vision Buddy is a special wearable technology, a one of a kind creation that empowers visually impaired people to perform their day-to-day functions and activities on their own. This device was created for those with eye conditions such as Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Stargardt, and Retinitis Pigmentosa.

You can do all of these activities mentioned above with Vision Buddy! The TV watching capability is especially the star of the show. Vision Buddy works by directly streaming the TV screen into the headset, giving you a really cool, personalized movie theater effect! You can zoom in and out to your liking. Find out more at getvisionbuddy.com and use code TURKEY21 for $50 off your down payment.

Cooking With Visual Impairments

If you or your co-chef need some help in the kitchen this year we have rounded up some of the best assistive devices to help you create a truly memorable dinner.

Smart Measuring Cup

• This unique measuring tool has an easy-to-read, LCD screen built into the handle for at-a-glance measurements.
• The smart cup automatically converts 5 preset ingredients, (flour, sugar, milk, water, and oil) from ounces (weight) to cups (volume).
• Includes auto tare/add function, a low battery warning, and an auto-off function

Talking Microwave Oven

This microwave oven has been enhanced with talking functions in order to increase its accessibility. It's the perfect choice for the blind and visually impaired, or anyone seeking greater convenience in the kitchen.

You will be able to hear announcements such as: setting cook time, running cook time, current power level, microwave running, attend to food, etc. Male voice. Current time announced. Adjustable speech volume. Time can be set and remaining time will be announced. 

A Seat For All At This Years Table

This Thanksgiving lets reconnect with those we love after a rough last year because now more than ever nothing is more important than friends and family. In order to do that make those relatives or friends feel welcome with the gift of sight this holiday season.