Coronavirus Outbreak

4/13/20

Shared by NABM, Nicky Gacos

From ABC News

The novel coronavirus outbreak has forced millions of people around the world to limit what and who they touch and stay in place for the time being — all methods to try to tamp down on the spread of the virus in the absence of a vaccine or treatment.

But for the blind community, in particular, these restrictions create additional obstacles that may contribute to their already vulnerable state, experts said.

Working and studying from home, shopping and even a recreational walk outside isn’t always easy for blind persons because companies and leaders haven’t put immediate thought into accessibility for disabled people, said Chris Danielsen, a spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind, a non-profit advocacy group.

“We are seeing a concern that blind people will be left behind in the general anxiety that everyone else faces,” Danielsen, who is blind, told ABC News. “We have the same anxieties everyone else has about the coronavirus, but they can be amplified in times like this.”

What to know about Coronavirus:

How it started and how to protect yourself: Coronavirus explained

What to do if you have symptoms: Coronavirus symptoms

Tracking the spread in the US and Worldwide: Coronavirus map

Nearly 7.6 million Americans over 16 years old have a visual impairment, according to the NFB, which used census data from 2016. The majority of them, about 4 million, are under 65, according to the data.

Link to full story and video: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/coronavirus-restrictions-put-extra-burden-blind-community-experts/story?id=69674998