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Resources for Home Repair and Woodworking

By Gil Johnson The following books on home repair are available through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Library of Congress, a program that provides books on cassettes for free for eligible persons. To make it easy to find and request the books, you’ll find author, title, and call number below.
  • Lipinski, Edward R. A Season-By-Season Guide for Maintaining Your Home. RC 54745
  • Jones, Peter. Indoor Home Repairs Made Easy. RC14420
  • Kennedy, Terry. Fix It Before It Breaks Seasonal Checklist Guide to Home Maintenance. RC 59610
  • Vandervort, Donald W. The Home Problem Solver: The Essential Homeowner’s Repair and Maintenance Manual. RC 52518
  • Jackson, Albert. Popular Mechanics Complete Home How-To. RC 59731
Reader’s Digest has published a number of general home repair reference guides, as well as publications on specific topics. One that might prove helpful is The Reader’s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual, published by the Reader’s Digest Association and recorded by Learning Ally (formerly Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic).

Community-based, Home Improvement, and Woodworking Groups

  • Many mid-sized and large communities have home improvement and woodworkers’ clubs comprised of individuals who have an interest in home repairs and woodworking projects. Some are focused on sharing information and techniques, while others are more social. These can be informative and enjoyable, depending on the willingness of members to describe their projects and techniques. They can be located by consulting Directory Assistance or inquiring at building supply outlets.
  • Tip: Most of the members of these organizations have little experience with persons who have limited or no vision. Individuals in these groups can, however, often be very helpful once they understand what a person with a visual impairment may need and what skills you possess. Being clear about what you may be able to see (if you have some residual vision) and the techniques you have already figured out for yourself is critical to getting the help and coaching you may need.

Sources of Training

  • Some state and private rehabilitation centers, state schools for the blind, and Veterans Administration Rehabilitation Centers offer training for blind and visually impaired persons using a woodworking shop as the teaching laboratory. For resources in your immediate area, you can check the APH Directory of Services.
  • In many parts of the country, you can hear a nationally syndicated call-in radio program called On the House. Hosts James and Morris Carey and their guest experts have extensive experience with home repair and construction projects. Callers inquire about a wide range of topics and the Carey brothers answer questions respectfully and with humor. The website contains a wide range of helpful tips for accomplishing simple to complex home repair and construction tasks.
  • Tip: Although this program is not specifically directed to persons with vision loss, the Carey Brothers try to understand the experience and skills callers have. Being clear with them about what you may be able to see (if you have vision) or the skills you have acquired if you have no vision will enable them to respond thoughtfully to your inquiry.
  • The American Council of the Blind hosts a web-based radio show called The Blind Handyman. The hosts, who are blind, discuss a variety of home repair topics and sponsor the Blind Handyman Listserv.
  • Woodworking for the Blind members have access to over 500 hours of recordings of fine woodworking magazines on a members-only website. Individual membership is open to all persons who are blind, visually impaired or physically handicapped. There is also an active listserv in which members exchange questions and suggestions regarding woodworking projects, techniques, and tools.