While many are focused on staying six feet apart, it’s not working so well for people with sight loss. For some, it’s not an option.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind in New Brunswick sent an open letter to government, police and essential businesses asking for an exemption under the current rules to allow sighted guides to help those with sight loss with getting essential supplies.
Program and Resource Development Manager Christine Kennedy-Babineau says people with sight loss can’t see the tape on the floor of a grocery store or know which direction to travel in.
“For the purposes of accessing essential services, going for groceries or to a pharmacy or bank, we’re just asking for there to be some flexibility in that policy to allow people with sight loss to have that guide if needed,” Kennedy-Babineau said.
Under normal circumstances, Kennedy-Babineau said if a blind or partially-sighted person is having trouble navigating a store, someone offers help.
“What we’re hearing people say is that those things aren’t naturally happening anymore, people are hesitant to offer a hand or aren’t willing,” Kennedy-Babineau said.
In some cases, those with sight loss have been discriminated against and refused access to businesses and health-care, said the CNIB.
During the provincial COVID-19 briefing on Friday, New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell said people providing assistance to those with sight loss would be exempt from the physical distancing requirements.
