Data About the Impact of COVID-19 Shows Ongoing Inequalities
The American Foundation for the Blind’s Flatten Inaccessibility survey offers insights for improving accessibility in many areas of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on everyone around the world. But researchers at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) had a specific question: How has COVID-19 affected the lives of adults who are blind or have low vision in the United States? AFB’s researchers found that COVID-19 presented unique challenges for people with vision loss. The survey also gave researchers more information about systemic inequalities people with vision loss face every day. What AFB learned gives policymakers, industry leaders, and others the chance to understand the challenges people who are blind or have low vision experience. It also provides information about changes that must be made so people who are blind or low vision have full access to every area of American life. This includes people who have additional disabilities or health issues. AFB used the information to recommend needed changes in the areas researchers studied.
About AFB’s research on this.
AFB conducted the Flatten Inaccessibility survey from April 3-13, 2020. Researchers summarized information gathered from 1,921 participants who are blind or have low vision, including some with additional disabilities. The researchers asked them about health care, transportation, employment, education, voting, and social experiences. They also asked them about access to food, meals, and supplies. Most participants had internet access at home and a smartphone. A large portion used social media, web conferencing, and online shopping apps. About half used screen reader software.
What did the researchers learn?
Here’s what the survey participants said:
- 68% were worried about transportation. This included concerns about safety, limited transportation options, and getting themselves or loved ones to COVID-19 test sites or health care providers if needed.
- 54% had concerns about health care.
- 56% were worried about social distancing, asking for help or physical assistance, and touching things they usually use like braille in public spaces.
- 59% were concerned about their education, having experienced changes to their college education or blindness rehabilitation training.
- 30% met with their health care provider using telehealth but 21% of them said the platform was not accessible.
- 47% worried about employment. 38% had accessibility problems with at least one technology tool needed for work. 22% could not access technology at home that was essential for work.
- 47% of parents and caregivers were concerned about their child’s education. 60% said the technology tools they needed were not accessible.
- 51% were worried about getting food, meals, and supplies. This included concerns about items not being available, a lack of delivery slots, problems applying for food assistance, and not having enough food because of unemployment or reduced work hours.
- 91% were registered to vote, but 39% were not sure if they had an accessible voting system. 23% said they did not have an accessible system.
Why is this a problem and who needs to take action to change it?
Concerns like inaccessible technology, lack of transportation or health care options, and having enough supplies including food are not unique to COVID-19. These are ongoing issues that need to be addressed by policymakers, business and industry leaders, and more.
What changes does AFB recommend based on the research?
Technology:
- Essential public health information must be accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
- Technology must be accessible, based on current standards, especially for needs such as grocery delivery and telehealth.
Transportation:
- Providers should work with local governments to offer alternatives for people with disabilities when options are limited or stopped in an emergency.
- Improvements must be made to transportation access, including sidewalks.
- Drive-through or curbside pick-up services must offer alternatives for people without vehicles.
Health care:
- Written information must be accessible to people who are visually impaired. Providers should offer electronic, braille, and large print options.
- Electronic health records, secure video platforms, and other telehealth systems should be fully accessible.
- Mental health providers need more training to better meet the specific needs of adults who are blind or have low vision.
Access to food, meals, and supplies:
- Businesses should train employees in serving people with disabilities.
- Online and app-based ordering platforms must be accessible to people who use screen readers or screen magnification.
Employment:
- All technology must be accessible and employees should receive training on new technologies.
- Employers should provide the same accommodations whether employees are working from home or in the office.
- Virtual meetings should include captioning or interpreters when needed, and incorporate communication techniques that don’t rely on vision.
- Materials should be given to meeting attendees in accessible formats.
Education:
- Schools must make sure students and instructors who are blind or have low vision can use all learning tools and receive accessible training in using them.
- Training and guidance on any online communication and learning tools should be provided in accessible formats.
- Any accommodations provided in the classroom should also be offered if a child must learn from home.
Voting:
- Voters must have options for independent and private voting at the polls or at home.
- Accessible voting machines must be available at all polling locations, and workers must be trained in their use to offer assistance.
Download the Report Read the Entire Report Online
Glossary of Terms
Accessible: For websites and mobile apps, all elements must be designed so people who are blind, low vision, or have other disabilities can use them. The same is true for public spaces, printed materials, and other commonly used tools of daily living.
Inaccessibility: When something is not accessible.
Screen readers: Software that reads text out loud or uses a braille display so people who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind can read a computer screen.
Telehealth: Health care provided via web conferencing or over the phone.
