The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) is asking people, business and government to be mindful of accessibility needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CNIB is particularly concerned with the unintended consequences physical distancing recommendations may have on people who rely on sighted guides. “It’s almost impossible to properly guide someone to effectively guide someone while being two metres apart,” said Ashley Nemeth, a community and engagement program lead for CNIB. “They need to be touching, they need to be interacting in order for the person who is blind or partially sighted to get the necessities they need.” According to the organization, clients have faced discrimination and questions while out in public with