Social distancing can be incredibly difficult for those with a visual impairment with inaccessible signage as well as a lack of face-to-face assistance. The services that many individuals with visual impairments have heavily relied on in the past has disappeared with no adequate replacement.
As RNIB Director of Services, David Clarke, recently said in a report regarding the difficulty of social distancing for those with visual impairments. “The unique challenges of social distancing for blind and partially sighted people have hit hard, with two thirds reporting feeling less independent since lockdown.”
As lockdown eases but social distancing continues to be enforced, the visual nature of restrictions risks a disproportionate impact on blind and partially sighted people, restricting their ability to access services and transport.
Social distancing is near-impossible for many blind and partially sighted people which makes it difficult to go out and get food, exercise or attend medical appointments, while isolation is impacting people psychologically as well as practically, adding to stress.
Keeping two metres away from other people is really challenging when you have blank patches in your vision or you can’t see how far away other people are. Some people with sight loss have been confronted by passers-by as they have been unable to keep their distance, while others are so nervous about breaking the rules they’ve lost confidence and are unwilling to leave the house.”
What Services are there for those with a Visual Impairment?
There are services that those with a visual impairment can take advantage of. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the individual including staff and colleagues that they need additional support. Since its launch in 2016, it has now been adopted globally by major airports and venues and in the UK, by many supermarkets, railway and coach stations, leisure facilities, the NHS, a number of police, fire and ambulance services.
Above all, it is used anywhere where people congregate . Find out where it is known near you using the Sunflower location map.
More information about how you can obtain the Sunflower Lanyard, can be found on their official website, linked here.Â
Simon from Henshaws, listed his top tips for social distancing whilst being visually impaired. To read his article, click hereÂ
Some people benefit from using a symbol cane, call in to Berkshire Vision to see how we can help you obtain one of these.
What can I do as a sighted individual?
Understand that not all disabilities are visible. If someone who has an impairment asks you for help and assistance, then listen to what they would like you to do and help them. Also a white cane (often known as a symbol cane) is a marker that someone has an impairment and give them some extra space if you can.Â
The Distance Aware initiative
The Distance Aware initiative has been recently endorsed by the Department of Health and Social Care to promote the need for ongoing distancing for all. Similar to the Sunflower lanyard, the offical gov.uk website provides optional badges that can be used to show the carrier may have difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing. For how to download the badge onto your phone or to print, please click here.
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