COVID-19 and blindness

As COVID 19 continues to spread across the world, people are quarantined out of concern for the virus and due to governments’ mandate. Everyone is experiencing some level of uncertainty and disruption.

In this situation, Blind and vision impaired people are facing some additional challenges. They are less able to practice social distancing, They have to explore things tactilely and they have to ask others for assistance.

These problems make Blind persons more susceptible to Corona virus and considering these risk factors, people may refrain to help them.

We have listed some resources to help them in this world of Coronavirus pandemic.

Accessible COVID-19 statistics tracker

Much of the data available regarding Coronavirus is in a graphical form which is not accessible to print disable persons. Accessible COVID-19 statistics tracker provides all the data in text form for the easy access of screen reader users.

It provides complete details of overall cases, cases Reported Today, overall deaths, deaths Today, recovered, critical Cases and active cases throughout the world.

Accessible Tool for Checking Risk Factors for COVID-19

Everyone can check their COVID-19 symptoms with COVID-19 symptoms checker Based on best clinical practices, CDC guidelines, illness severity and risk factors like age and pre-existing conditions.

The good news is it is completely accessible with screen readers. Blind and visually impaired persons can check their symptoms with a few simple steps.

in the end, it can never by any mean replace professional medical advice. If you are severely ill, please visit a doctor or call your national emergency number.

Food delivery services

Under the global lock down, it is not possible to go and eat at your favorite restaurant. thanks to accessible food delivery services such as GrubHub, Uber Eats and Food panda. If you are using smart phone or aware of online grocery and food delivery services, you can easily order your food and other things.

If you are not aware of assistive technology, you can use services like gogo grandparent and be in touch with your friends and family who can help.

Aira and Be my eyes

Be my eyes is a free application that connects blind and visually impaired persons to sighted volunteers. Where millions of volunteers are ready to help visually impaired community to perform different tasks. Aira is another application just like be my eyes, with first five free minutes of assistance.

In this situation, where physical distancing is necessary more than ever, these applications can be of great help to explore your surroundings, identifying objects, reading bills and medical prescriptions and much more.

Accessible fitness tools

Global pandemic forced gyms and fitness centers to be closed and fitness tutorials and exercises are visually presented on the internet. What would we do if we are concerned about our health and fitness? The answer would be audio-described fitness exercises. Eyes-free fitness YouTube channel may help in this regard. Also Aaptiv audio fitness app provides audio only workouts.

Finally, stay home, stay safe and live an independent life.