ABC news recently reported that coronavirus restrictions have put extra burdens on the blind and low vision community. Here is our shortlist of resources that may help.*
Work & Education
- Tutorial videos for using Zoom with a screen reader
- Online classes covering Zoom and VoiceOver from the MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI)
- The Carroll Center for the Blind’s individualized remote instruction on employment, travel, daily living, and the use of technologies
- Distance learning and educational content through Aira, ObjectiveEd and Accessibyte
- Free Live Course series from the Assistive Technology Industry Association on education (including remote learning) during COVID-19
- National homework hotline for blind & visually impaired students from VISTAS Education Partners
- For those learning on campus or remotely: the College Consensus guide to Navigating College with Visual Impairments
Health & Wellness
- Paid & free workouts, tips and ideas from Eyes-Free Fitness, Aaptiv, ReVision Fitness, Hadley’s Get Up & Go, and the US Association of Blind Athletes
- Medically informed yoga
- MABVI’s low vision peer support groups, now meeting virtually
- Headspace’s meditation app
- Guide dog and pet safety information from the American Foundation for the Blind
- Safety.com’s guide on How to Keep Seniors Strong, Active, and Safe
News & Entertainment
- Key information on the pandemic plus resources for older adults and people with disabilities from the Administration for Community Living
- News and other accessible information through Apple
- Accessible statistics tracker
- Accessible books (paid & free) through Audible, Apple Books and National Braille Press
- National survey investigating the experiences of adults who are blind or have low vision during the COVID-19 pandemic
- ATandMe’s list of how to use technology creatively during COVID-19
Transportation & Logistics
- Tips on transportation and getting essentials like prescriptions on the Blindy Blog
- AFB’s article on accessible grocery and food delivery services
- Eldercare Locator for finding help in your area
If you know of other top resources for the blind during COVID-19, please leave a comment and we will add them to the list.
*Sources: Access Living (https://www.accessliving.org/), American Foundation for the Blind (https://www.afb.org/), Assistive Technology Industry Association (https://www.atia.org/), Blindy Blog (https://blindyblog.com/), and The Carroll Center for the Blind (https://carroll.org/)
