54,810 people who are blind or visually impaired is urging the general
public to support them in this practice.
Kevin Kelly, NCBI Head of Advocacy said "practicing or engaging in physical
or social distancing is virtually impossible for people who are blind or
vision-impaired and as our streets and shops become busier with the easing
of government restrictions it is a huge source of stress and frustration for
people. It is essential the public have a greater understanding of the
challenges faced and how they can help overcome them."
Challenges facing those who are blind and vision-impaired:
* Being unable to judge distances, thus making self-distancing
impossible.
* Being unable to see temporary markings to illustrate distance.
* Often being unaware of the existence of a queuing system, or where
a queue begins or ends.
* Being unable to locate or read signage outlining the hygiene
practices to be followed.
* Guide dogs are not trained to socially distance.
Mr Kelly added "As social distancing is here to stay, it is frustrating that
to date, public health officials have failed to recognize the profound
impact of social distancing on people who are blind and vision-impaired. It
is now vital the general public step up and provide assistance and support
to ensure that people who are blind and vision-impaired can actively engage
in society in the weeks and months ahead. To aid the public, NCBI would
strongly encourage people who are blind and vision-impaired to always carry
a long cane or a symbol cane when in public places to allow easy
identification of a vision impairment."
How the public can help:
* People should always afford a blind or vision-impaired person the
required two meters' distance in all circumstances.
* People should make their presence known before offering
assistance, which many blind and vision-impaired people will welcome.
* People can offer verbal instructions which may be very helpful to
the blind or vision-impaired person in certain circumstances - the key here
is to always ask first.
* People should never just grab someone who is blind or
vision-impaired in the belief that they are being helpful.
* When queuing outside shops, people should be careful not to block
the path of someone who is blind or vision-impaired.
Marian Maloney, NCBI service user and advocate, said "COVID-19 and its
associated restrictions have been really tough for everyone, but as the
majority of people are beginning to feel a sense of relief due to the
lessening of restrictions, I'm afraid of what is to come, as social
distancing is so very daunting and overwhelming. I want to get back to as
close to normal as possible, but I will only be able to do that if the
general public respect my space and provide assistance in a respectful way."
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