How to Set Goals if You're Blind or Visually Impaired

Being blind or visually impaired can be a challenge, especially if you have recently been diagnosed with this condition. You may struggle to do things you did normally when you had full sight and find it hard to achieve new goals or learn new skills. Your goals may change when you are blind or visually impaired and you may need to adjust how you achieve your goals. One option is to set goals in a way that is accessible for you. Another option is to set goals related to your blindness or visual impairment. You can also reach out to others for assistance and guidance on how to achieve the goals you have set.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting Goals While Blind or Visually Impaired

1
Create a list of short-term goals. To avoid overwhelming yourself, start small. Identify two to three short-term goals you would like to tackle. This could be a goal like preparing coffee for yourself in the morning without any assistance. Or you may want to learn how to brush your hair on your own. These goals can make your everyday life more manageable and make you feel more independent, despite your visual impairment.
- If you know how to write in Braille, you may write the goals down. If you do not know how to write in Braille, you can record the goals onto a tape recorder so you can then listen to them later.
- For example, you may write down or record, “Learn how to prepare a meal on my own,” or “Be able to groom myself on my own.”
2
Identify your long-term goals. Set goals that will take time for you to achieve, perhaps weeks or months. Long-term goals may seem daunting at first, but tackling them one at a time can help them feel more manageable. List two to three long-term goals that you want to achieve in detail.
- For example, you may have a long-term goal like learning how to orient yourself in a space without the use of a cane. Or you may have a long-term goal to learn how to read and write in Braille. Write these long-term goals down next to your short-term goals.
- Once you have identified these long-term goals, break it down into more manageable short-term goals so that it is less daunting and more achievable. For instance, if your long-term goal is to learn to read and write in Braille, set a short-term goal of signing up for a class, to attend class every week, and so on. This can make the larger goal of learning Braille seem more achievable and less overwhelming.
3
Make goals that are realistic and attainable. Whether you are making short-term goals or long-term goals, it is important that they are realistic and attainable. Having several attainable goals and achieving them can then encourage you to make more challenging goals in the future. Start slow and small, then build up to bigger goals so you can feel a sense of accomplishment as you go.
- For example, you may first start with the goal of reading and writing well in Braille. Then, once you have achieved the first goal, you can move on to the more challenging goal, like reading an entire text in Braille.
- Remember that all goals, even the small and simple ones, are important in moving you forward and building self-esteem. Achieving any goal, no matter how small, is worthy of celebration.
4
Create a goal timeline. To put your goals into action, create a timeline of when you are going to achieve your goals. Do this by recording the goals on a voice recorder, listing the short term goals first on the timeline. You can also use Braille to write the goals down, if you know how to write in Braille. Give yourself a time frame for when you have to achieve this goal. Make the time frame realistic and achievable. Note a specific due date or deadline for achieving each goal.^{[1]XResearch source}
- For example, you may place the short-term goal of preparing coffee for yourself first on the timeline. You may give yourself several weeks to achieve this goal. Then, you may add the goal of preparing a meal next to the goal of preparing coffee on the timeline. This way, once you achieve the first goal, you can move on to a second, more challenging goal.
5
Reward yourself every time you achieve a goal. Staying motivated to achieve your goals can be a challenge, especially if you feel defeated or deterred by your visual impairment. To make sure you feel good about achieving a goal, reward yourself every time you complete a goal. The reward could be small, such as a small piece of candy or your favorite dessert. You may also use a meal out as a reward for achieving a goal.^{[2]XResearch source}
- For long-term goals, you may have bigger rewards, such as a vacation with friends or a day trip with your partner.
- You may also tell others about achieving your goals as part of your reward, where you brag to others and feel proud of your accomplishments.
6
Be compassionate. While it is important to celebrate your successes, it is just as important to stay positive and refrain from beating yourself up if you do not meet a goal. Being too hard on yourself can make you feel hopeless and want to give up and can damage your self-esteem. Have compassion for yourself and forgive yourself if you don't achieve your goal. Consider revisiting the goal and assessing whether or not it was truly attainable (you may have set a deadline to read and write in Braille after three weeks of class, for instance, and then find that this is an unrealistic time frame).
- Think of set backs as opportunities to learn. Was there something you could do differently next time?
7
Use daily affirmations to stay motivated. You may find putting your goals into action difficult, especially if you feel challenged by your visual impairment. To stay motivated, use daily affirmations. Say the affirmations out loud first thing in the morning to embrace the day and feel motivated to tackle your goal. You can also say the affirmations out loud to yourself at night to set an intention for the following day.^{[3]XResearch source}
- For example, you may say to yourself, “I will achieve my goals,” “I can make my goals a reality,” or “I am strong and powerful.”
- Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with positive people who are also trying to achieve their goals. Listen to motivating speeches to stay inspired.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Goals Related to Blindness or Visual Impairment

1
Learn how to read and write in Braille. You can make goals that will allow you to thrive despite your blindness or visual impairment. One central skill you will need is to read and write in Braille. Sign up for a class on Braille so you can learn this skill. Use hands on training and practice to get better at reading Braille. Work with other people who are blind or visually impaired to improve your ability to write in Braille.
- Start slow and learn basic skills in Braille first, such as how to read the positions of the dots in Braille or how to write basic sentences and phrases in Braille. Over time, you can challenge yourself to learn more complicated terms and sentences in Braille.
2
Focus on getting better at using a cane. People who are blind or have a visual impairment will use a white tipped cane to help orient themselves in a space and to walk in public areas on their own. You can first choose a cane to suit your needs and then focus on learning how to use the cane so you can feel more comfortable moving around on your own.
- You can sign up for a class on how to use a cane if you are blind or visually impaired. Search for classes on cane use online or speak to your doctor to get a referral for a class.
3
Learn how to prepare a meal for yourself. You may set a goal to learn how to prepare a meal on your own as a blind or visually impaired person. Take a class on meal preparation for the blind or visually impaired. Invest in kitchen tools to help make preparing a meal easier on your own.^{[4]XResearch source}
- For example, if you are visually impaired, you may get contrasting cutting boards to make it easier for you to see food as you are cutting it. Use contrasting measuring cups and pitchers to help you see the contents more easily.
- To achieve the goal of making coffee on your own when blind or visually impaired, put a water sensor on your coffee cup so you know when the cup is full.
4
Get better at using audio tools. If you want to get better at browsing the internet and reading content online, you can use audio tools, such as text-to-speech software or screen reading software. Download this software and use it to read online content. The more you practice using the software, the better you will become at access written online content.^{[5]XResearch source}
- You can also try using audio tools like audio books on CD or online. Audio books can be a great way for you to access written content, such as novels or articles, without having to learn Braille.
- Don't forget about the wide world of smartphone apps. Consider the following:
  - KNFB Reader allows you to take a photo of a document (a bill received by mail, for instance) and the phone will read the document aloud.
  - TapTapSee, which allows you to take a picture of an object and the app will identify it, telling out out loud what it is.
  - LookTel Money Reader will tell you the value of the cash you have (for instance, if you are holding a five dollar bill).
  - VizWiz can help you get answers about your surroundings. You can snap a photo, ask a question about those surroundings, and then get a spoken answer from someone in the VizWiz network.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Reaching Out to Others For Guidance

1
Speak to a counselor or a therapist. Setting goals and achieving them on your own can be a challenge. Do not be afraid to reach out to others for support, such as a counselor or a therapist. Look for a therapist or counselor who has experience working with people who are blind or have a visual impairment. Discuss your struggle with setting goals for yourself and work on this issue with your counselor or therapist.
- If your optometrist or ophthalmologist informs you that you are visually impaired or legally blind, they will likely refer you to a low vision specialist. This person can help you adjust to your diagnosis, connect you with resources for support, discuss your needs and concerns, and help you remain a fully functional and independent person within your community.
- Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a counselor or a therapist you can work with on setting and achieving goals.
- If you are struggling with specific goals, such as how to find a job as someone who is blind, you may talk to a career counselor who has experience working with people with disabilities.
2
Talk to someone who is also blind or visually impaired. You can also seek support from someone who understands what you are going through, such as someone else who is also blind or has a visual impairment. Reach out to friends or family who are blind and ask them for advice on setting goals. Discuss any struggles you may be having with them and support each other.
- For example, you may ask a friend who is blind or visually impaired, “How do you stay motivated to set goals?” or “How do you create goals for yourself and work to achieve them?”
3
Connect with organizations for the blind or visually impaired. There are numerous organizations that advocate and support those who are blind and visually impaired. These organizations can help you find employment, vision rehabilitation, emotional support, and provide resources to help you live the life you want. Try the following organizations:
- Envision: http://www.envisionus.com/
- The National Federation for the Blind: https://nfb.org/
- The American Council of the Blind: http://www.acb.org/
- Vision Aware: https://visionaware.org/
- The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: http://www.loc.gov/nls/
4
Join a support group. Look for a support group for people who are blind or visually impaired in your area. You can also sign up for a support group online. Having a small group of people who can understand what you are going through and working through issues together can help you stay motivated and feel supported.
- Ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a support group. Your counselor or therapist can also recommend a support group.
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