Blind Low Vision NZ is uniting with blind, low vision, deafblind and other organisations to ensure Kiwis living with vision disabilities have access to the essentials services during the coronavirus lockdown.
“Access to essential services such as the supermarket and the pharmacies is a particular concern for people who are blind or have low vision,” says Blind Low Vision NZ Chief Executive John Mulka.
“While people with an access need can use public transport, Taxis and Uber’s Ride sharing app to get to an essential service, many eye conditions develop later in life and those over 70 have been asked to remain at home to limit their risk of contracting Covid-19.
Blind Low Vision NZ and the organisations we work with have been advocating for supermarkets to prioritise their online services to people who cannot physically get to a store with many supermarkets making a commitment to do so.
Many Blind Low Vision NZ clients have limited or no access to technology and may be feeling more isolated at this time.
“Working collaboratively with blind, low vision and deafblind organisations, we are phoning our community checking-in on the health and wellbeing and offering support. If someone doesn’t have access to essential services, we are connecting them to organisations who can help like Age Concern and Civil Defence.
