They can read newspapers. Others with limited vision use them to find the blank lines on checks so they can pay their own bills or for tasks that are difficult with poor vision, such as threading a needle. Some clients buy machines, which the Edith Bishel Center can order for them. Machines also are being made that connect to conventional televisions so those with very limited vision can see even larger images, depending on the size of the screen. Although the Edith Bishel Center can't keep up with demand for the machines, it does have closed-circuit televisions available for public use at the center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Clients also can arrange to have mail and other documents read aloud, by appointment.
The center also is interested in raising money to buy the televisions for the Mid-Columbia Library District. Among the center's other services are low-vision clinics, demonstrations of a wide variety of magnifying devices and home visits to label appliances so clients can operate them by touch or by seeing bolder markings. Madeline particularly liked a monocle-type magnifier she tried there. For many activities, Madeline doesn't need any help. She's hand-stitching a block quilt and she prefers riding her own bike to riding a dual bike that her dad steers.