Study finds that 15% of visually impaired individuals report experiencing bullying related to social distancing during COVID-19 pandemic.
Vision Australia also received reports of individuals being denied entry to vaccine hubs because of their guide dogs.
A survey by Vision Australia showed that 15 percent of blind and low vision Australians faced “abuse or bullying” when struggling to follow social distancing rules.
This was just one of the many discoveries outlined in Vision Australia’s submission to the federal government’s COVID-19 inquiry.
The inquiry, which received an overwhelming 2,090 submissions, highlighted the severe impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities.
Vision Australia, which supports 26,000 blind or low vision individuals annually, conducted various client surveys during the pandemic to shed light on the challenges faced by this community.
The early 2021 survey garnered 492 responses and painted a “disturbing picture,” according to Vision Australia.
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Over 52 percent of blind and low vision individuals reported feeling socially isolated during the pandemic.
Additionally, 42 percent expressed concerns that uncertainty surrounding QR codes would hinder their confidence in resuming face-to-face activities.
As mass vaccination hubs were set up in mid-2021, Vision Australia received troubling reports from blind or low vision individuals.
For instance, the online vaccine eligibility checker did not meet accessibility standards, making it challenging for these individuals to determine their eligibility for the vaccine.
Moreover, several people were turned away from vaccine hubs for utilizing an “assistance animal,” such as a Seeing Eye Dog.
Except for Victoria, Vision Australia noted that none of the states and territories appeared to offer readily accessible in-home PCR testing for those unable to travel to testing centers.
The organization proposed that public health authorities conduct a disability impact analysis before implementing public health measures.
“Collaborating with a national disability-inclusive disaster response group for such an analysis would allow for expert insight and informed strategies for mitigating impacts,” Vision Australia recommended.
They expressed concern that without a shift in approach, the needs of the blind community might not be considered in future pandemics or disasters.
“If inconsistent and random approaches persist, we have little confidence that the needs of blind or low vision individuals will be acknowledged, let alone addressed, in future COVID-19 waves or other crises,”
Concerns Raised by Disability Groups
Meanwhile, Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) expressed worry that individuals with disabilities faced distress and exclusion during the pandemic.
“The lack of a cohesive national strategy in Australia further exacerbated the exclusion, uncertainty, and distress experienced by these individuals.
The group recommended the government develop a National Children and Young People Recovery Plan to shield them from the adverse effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and potential future pandemics.
Additionally, Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) stated that the disability community was heavily impacted during the pandemic.
The submission highlighted that preventive health measures reduced oversight mechanisms aimed at protecting them.
“COVID-19 escalated the risks of abuse, neglect, and exploitation for adults with disabilities and older individuals, while limiting access to safe alternatives or short-term accommodations to escape violence,” the commission stated.
The COVID-19 inquiry is currently reviewing the Australian government’s response to the pandemic and accepted submissions between Nov. 6 and Dec. 15.
Actions taken solely by states and territories are outside the inquiry’s scope. Nonetheless, the inquiry is assessing the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and territory governments in responding to the pandemic.
