Coronavirus Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired Community

As members of the blind and visually impaired community we have special considerations and needs when it comes to navigating the now new normal of the quickly spreading Coronavirus. These are uncertain times and we all have questions and wonder how we will cope with daily needs including getting the groceries we need, getting and accessing transportation and managing the daily needs of ourselves as well as our family.

On this resource page, you will find information catered to the needs of our community as well as links to general information that everyone should have easy access to regarding the latest developments surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic.

If you have a topic that you would like to see covered, please feel free to send me an email at insightfulvisionsmedia@gmail.com and I will do my best to get you the resources you need and add them to this growing list.

Be sure to check back frequently as these resources will for certain be changing and growing as the weeks pass.

General Coronavirus Resources

Below you will find links to general resources for the latest developments surrounding the Coronavirus. You may find it helpful to bookmark some of these resources as the information changes daily.

Center for Disease Control

White House News Updates

World Health Organization – Coronavirus

Transportation Resources

Many local transportation services including paratransit and fixed bus routes continue to run as scheduled. Transportation services have increased the frequency of regular disinfecting and encourage riders to stay home if are sick.

For individuals in the blind and visually impaired community, we can face particular barriers, anxiety and concern regarding getting appropriate transportation should we require a Coronavirus test. If you feel symptoms that are indicative of the Coronavirus, follow the following steps:

1. Contact your medical provider immediately. They will go through a series of questions to determine if a Coronavirus test is necessary.
2. If your medical provider informs you that a Coronavirus test is necessary, inform them that you are an individual with a disability that is unable to drive.
3. Your medical provider will most likely put you in touch with your local health department to arrange for specialized transportation to and from the testing site.

Please refrain from accessing any public transportation or ride sharing services if you feel that you are sick.

Resources and Tips for Getting Essentials

We are all used to at times getting creative when it comes to ensuring that we can get the essentials we need for our daily lives. We are used to utilizing food delivery services like Instacart and Shipt. What we are perhaps not used to are the huge delays for getting a delivery or having a large amount of substitutions for the items we need.

To make sure that you are prepared and have the items that you need follow these tips:Plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to plan meals with simple and few ingredients that will last more than one meal. Make a list of all of the meals that you would like to prepare for the upcoming week and shop in your app of choice for the items you will need. By meal planning you will be able to ensure that you are only purchasing the essentials and you can rest assured knowing that you are fully prepared.

Reserve your delivery time 1 hour after the store opens. This will allow for your store to restock the shelves overnight and your shopper should have the best chance at getting the items that you require.

Expect higher than usual delays for your delivery. We are used to being able to get our groceries delivered as little as an hour after we order them. Currently this is no longer the case. You may have to reserve a time several days or even a week out so be sure to plan ahead.

Partner with your neighbors, friends and family to get essential items that you can’t order. Currently it is near impossible to order any paper goods, hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes online. If you find yourself in need of these items be sure to let your friends and family know that you are looking for these and see if they are able to pick them up for you on their next run.

Resources for Working From Home

More than ever during the Coronavirus outbreak employers, schools and colleges are all moving to online and telework options. Below are some tools that you may find helpful when working from home.

Zoom Cloud Meetings

Zoom is by far the most accessible video conferencing software available. To make the

If you would like a thorough overview of using the Zoom platform with a screen reader, Mosen Consulting has made the comprehensive audio book, Meet Me Accessibly – A Guide to Zoom Cloud Meetings from a Blindness Perspective free for all.

To get the most out of the platform, take a look at the extensive list of Zoom Hotkey and Shortcut Keys list

Also, if you are in the K-12 or higher educational system, be sure to check out this article detailing how you can obtain unlimited access to the Zoom platform at no additional charge.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts can offer another free way to participate in and lead video conferences. For information on the accessibilitty features for Google Hangouts check out the Hangouts Meet Accessibility page.

Resources for Getting Your Prescriptions Filled

Are you worried about getting your prescription filled during the Coronavirus pandemic? Take a look at these tips and tricks:

Getting Your Prescriptions Filled