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Leisure and Learning at Home

Your efforts and creativity are cheered and applauded as you continue to spend time and plan for days at home.  Knowing that it is so important to keep a daily schedule, while understanding the limits of being home, we've gathered resources for you.  Here you'll find ideas for Cooking, Arts & Crafts, Exercise & Yoga, Music, Stories & Meditation, Travel, and more. While some sites and resources were created specifically for individuals with vision loss, others were not but can be adapted by use of description, textured materials, organization and creativity. Together we can brighten each other’s days!​​
Exercise & Yoga
 Arts and Crafts
Cooking
  • Food Network
    • Written directions and videos of many recipes​
      • This link for “no bake cookies” is just one of many on the Food Network site.  Find many more recipes by typing your favorites in the search box.
      • There are advertisements on this site.
  • Betty Crocker
    • Written directions and videos of many recipes
    • Friendly note: There are advertisements on this site.
    • “Broccoli-bacon salad” is just one of many on the Betty Crocker site. Find many more recipes by searching for your favorites.
  • PBS Food / Recipes
    • Written directions for many recipes by course, cuisine, occasion or theme 
    • Friendly note: There are advertisements on this site.
Stories and Meditation
  • Storyline Online
    • Famous actors reading stories of varying length (5-20 minutes), some with music clips sound effects, and illustrations.
    • Friendly notes: Everyone loves a story – for the young at heart!
  • Daily Calm / YouTube
    • Narrated meditation for body awareness and relaxation with nature sounds and pauses (10 minutes).
    • Friendly notes: There are advertisements on this site.
Music
News & Information
Travel
  • Rick Steves’ Europe Audio Tours
    • Audio tours of varying length with music clips and description of sites and landmarks ​
      • The first 3-6 minutes (depending on the tour) give directions for how to use the podcast for visitors at each site. 
      • To listen from your computer:
        1. Click on the city you would like to visit. 
        2. On the next page, scroll right past the #1-3 instructions.
        3. Find the city and tour of your choice and click “Listen or Download” (blue type) beside it.
        4. On the next page, click the play button.  Enjoy!
  • National Geographic
    • Video and audio of varying length with music clips and description of sites and landmarks from around the world
    • Friendly note: There are advertisements on some of the videos.
  • NPR Postcards from the Road
    • Audio podcasts of varying length (10–30 minutes), of stories from all walks of life and around the world…
    • Friendly note: There is an introductory advertisement before the podcast(s) begin.
  • Art UK
    • Audio podcasts of varying length (16–20 minutes) about art in the United Kingdom (UK).  Enjoy the stories, music, and descriptions of art from across the pond! ​
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
Email: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
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Please note: By posting these Web links, it is not our intention to endorse or recommend the sites. These sites are being offered only as informational resources.  
"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability