COVID-19 and Blindness

Blindness and vision impairment aren’t on the list officially of at-risk factors when it comes to COVID-19. But as individuals with disabilities, we should be prepared, proactive, and act as they are on the list considering how much we use our sense of touch. If you aren’t disabled, we also have plenty of ways you can help the blind and visually impaired during these uncertain times.

If you are Visually Impaired/Blind

COVID-19 and Blindness: As low vision and blindness individuals, we use touch much more than the average person. Whether it’s using a sighted guide, carrying a cane/using a guide dog, or touching tactile signs and braille, we rely on activities that aren’t exactly conducive to social distancing. What can we do during the pandemic to make sure we are staying safe and healthy?

Wipe down your cane/guide dog harness

If you are still leaving the house and use your cane or a guide dog, make sure you wipe down your cane or guide dog harness with a Clorox wipe or some good old fashion soap and water. Be extra cautious and wash your hands directly after if you need to use braille while out now.

Use Delivery Services

The best thing we can do right now is to stay home, especially if you’re in the blind or high-risk community. But what about groceries? Medications? The blind and visually impaired community are no stranger to grocery delivery but this just gives you another reason to use them! Instacart is a great option as well as Whole Foods delivery on Amazon. CVS also offers delivery on medications.

Limit riding Public Transportation, Uber/Lyft, Paratransit If you can

The CDC recommends you limit your time in crowded areas such as public transportation, if possible. With so many people riding public transportation, it can be a huge risk to ride it when it comes to COVID-19, especially considering the touch factor. If you can, walk where you need to go or have a trusted person (who you might be social distancing with) take you where you need to go.

In the same vein, using shared-ride services can be just as dangerous when it comes to being in contact with someone who might be infected. During this time, it’s best to avoid rideshare apps to be on the safe side.

Follow the CDC Guidelines

The CDC has a handful of great guidelines but a few general guidelines that can help you keep you safe are the following:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Practice social distancing by avoiding large gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

ZoomText and JAWS offered for free

If you are having trouble completing your job or school at home, Freedom Scientific is offering ZoomText and JAWS for free until June 30th, 2020. This is a great resource if you don’t have your assistive technology at home with you.

What you can do to help those who are Blind/Visually Impaired impacted by COVID-19:

The blind and visually impaired are an especially vulnerable population not only when it comes to COVID-19 but to the isolation that comes with it. Many blind and visually impaired individuals already feel isolated even before the pandemic. It is more important than ever to check on your friends with disabilities who may feel isolated and alone. The effects of COVID-19 and blindness can be detrimental on those with disabilities. Here are a few ideas of ways you can help:

Become a Be My Eyes Volunteer

Be My Eyes is one of our favorite apps and it is always looking for new volunteers, especially now! Be My Eyes is a free app where a sighted volunteer is connected with a visually impaired/blind person to help with anything from reading a label on a can to identifying the color of a shirt to anything else they might need help with.

Check on your friends with disabilities, chronic conditions, and the elderly

This pandemic could have detrimental consequences for the elderly and those with disabilities and chronic conditions due to the isolation of social distancing. Many elderly people do not have the technology to use delivery apps, FaceTime with friends, etc. During this time it is even more vital to keep in contact with those who may be feeling even more isolated during this time. The easiest thing you can do is give them a quick call. And if you can, offer to deliver groceries or anything they might need.

Deliver with Invisible Hands or Instacart

Invisible Hands only applies to New York and New Jersey so far but is a great resource if you are in those areas. Invisible Hands is a free delivery service where isolated and people with disabilities can request groceries delivered for free. A volunteer will drop them off at the doorstep.

Instacart and Shipt are also great delivery services and you can shop and deliver for them while making a little extra cash!

You could also offer to pick up groceries for anyone you know who might be isolated.

Give Blood

There is a nationwide shortage of blood donations so if you can, donate! The Red Cross is looking for all blood types. If you are healthy and able, this is a simple thing you can do to help those in need.

Donate to Organizations

If you are financially able, donating is a great way to help during this time as many organizations that serve individuals in need are struggling. World Services for the Blind remains open and we are always looking for donations through our Support webpage either through direct financial support or purchasing something on our Wish List that can help students that are on our campus and in need of help.

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COVID-19 and Blindness: Staying Safe and How to Help