The Flatten Inaccessibility report examined the impact of COVID-19 on 1,921 adults with visual impairments and the Access and Engagement survey examined the impact of COVID-19 on the education of 455 children and 1,028 teachers of students with visual impairments and orientation and mobility specialists. As lead author and AFB Director of Research, Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum noted:
“People with disabilities have been uniquely impacted by COVID-19, and as far as we know, this is one of the few studies taking an in-depth look at the social, economic, and civic impact for those who are blind or have low vision. While other research projects examine the risk to people with disabilities of contracting COVID-19, AFB and the other organizations behind this study had concerns about the quality of life for those most affected by community and public policy responses.”
These Town Halls contain a wealth of information on timely topics important to those with visual impairments, family members, educators, employers, policymakers, and anyone else who is invested in accessibility and inclusivity for those with vision loss.
Town Hall #1: Healthcare, Transportation, and Voting (October 23, 2020)
Presenter: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, AFB, Director of Research
Town Hall #2: Employment and Technology (October 29, 2020)
Presenters: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, AFB, Director of Research
Sarah Malaier, Public Policy & Research Advisor
Anthony Candela, Rehabilitation Specialist/Consultant
Many thanks to LHH, sponsor of the AFB Town Hall on Employment and Technology.
Town Hall #3: Education Across the Lifespan (November 10, 2020)
Presenters: Dr. L. Penny Rosenblum, AFB, Director of Research
Dr. Tina S. Herzberg, University of South Carolina Upstate, Professor
Dr. Tiffany Wild, The Ohio State University, Associate Professor
AFB is grateful to JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust for their financial support of the Town Hall Series.
