As everyone is dealing with social isolation and figuring out how to maintain our sanity, while taking care of ourselves physically and mentally during this Coronavirus Pandemic and the need for Social Distancing, people with vision loss have their own additional challenges during times like this. We aren't going to try to tell you how to do it, or what to do. But we want to share links to a number of articles and resources from which you may find some good tools or tricks to help you through this time. Here's what we've found to share...
Blind New World shares What It Means to Be Blind During a Pandemic - To raise awareness of some of these issues, and to learn how communities can support their blind neighbors and loved ones during this uncertain time, Blind New World caught up with Perkins School for the Blind’s Jerry Berrier and Kate Katulak.
AFB staff and AccessWorld contributors are pulling together resources to support our community during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. These posts will address topics such as online learning for students and adults, accessible medical devices, accessible work-from-home solutions, accessible social gaming, staying connected with others digitally, home fitness resources, and more. Here are the links:
Participate in a Study: Flattening the Inaccessibility Curve
Apple Releases COVID-19 App and Website
Stay Active During the Coronavirus Pandemic with Accessible Fitness Tools
Have it Delivered! Accessible Grocery and Food Delivery During Coronavirus Quarantine
Guide Dogs, Pets, and the Coronavirus
Maintaining Connection with Digital and Telephone Support Groups During the Time of the Coronavirus
Combat the Tedium of COVID-19 Quarantine with Accessible Games
The American Foundation for the Blind Is Fighting to Protect Rights of Blind and Low Vision Students During COVID-19 - Senator Lamar Alexander stated that the Department of Education should consider allowing states to choose not to educate students with disabilities during the quarantine. Specifically, he proposed that the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) issue waivers to states that would allow them not to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for one year. The American Foundation for the Blind strongly opposes any efforts to undermine the rights of students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NCBI highlighting needs of visually impaired while shopping - NCBI CEO Chris White says, “We commend the retailers for safeguarding and prioritising vulnerable customers at this time. However, the reality is some of the measures introduced will pose a challenge to those with sight loss."
If you aren’t connected to a support group yet, there’s no need to wait for the social distancing to pass to get connected. Here are several great no-cost alternatives:
- Hadley Discussion Groups offer 8 monthly and 2 weekly discussion groups you can join by phone or computer. Topics include: Spanish; travel; writing; exercise; crafting; gardening; tech; cooking; resources; and braille. Check the schedule online or just call Hadley at 800-323-4238 for more information.
- Well Connected offers support groups for older adults on a wide range of topics. Groups are accessed at scheduled times by phone. Some offer the option of connecting by computer. Their schedule is online, or you can request a printed copy by calling 877-797-7299.
- The International Low Vision Support Group (ILVSG) offers monthly meetings by phone, moderated by founder Dan Roberts. For more information, check out their website or call 888-866-6148.