AFB Resources for Students & Adults

​As we continue to adjust to our new normal, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) wants you to know that there are a host of resources they’ve put together to support students and adults who are blind or visually impaired.

Accessible Education Resources
As everyone adjusts to our new reality of working from home while simultaneously homeschooling our children, AFB staff have pulled together some online resources that may be helpful.

Guide Dogs, Pets, and the Coronavirus
As we all deal with the Coronavirus we need to consider the safety of our dogs and companion animals.  The Animal Medical Center in New York City provides answers to many questions.  It employs over 100 veterinarians and is the largest non-profit animal hospital in the world.  Learn more about keeping your guide dog safe.

Telephone Support Groups
Social distancing may be just what the doctor is ordering to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus, but this same distancing may contribute to the social isolation many people experience with vision loss. For those that look forward to a low vision support group that meets face-to-face, this loss of support may be particularly difficult. Explore some of the many options we have for staying connected.

Accessible Gaming
​There are a number of games that were designed for the sighted population but which have been made accessible to blind people using screen reading technology. Learn more about these games at our resource hub.

Nextdoor
With the current federal guidelines regarding social distancing, online social networks are becoming an even more essential way to maintain friendships and stay connected while we limit our in-person social interactions and gatherings.
In these difficult times, however, it may be prudent to make some new friends a bit closer to home. Staying connected with people who can pitch in during an emergency, or someone to share the latest neighborhood gossip with is still important. You can read more about AccessWorld author Bill Holton’s personal experience on our blog.

Moving Your Conference or Classes Online
From shifting events from live to virtual, and shutting down schools, to restricting approved business travel, everyone is now looking to make more training opportunities available online. As we move our interactions to the digital space, it is important we bring the same inclusive lens to our decision-making as we do when planning face-to-face interactions that use technology.
Click here for 5 accessibility actions you can take when you're moving your conference or classes online.

BCABVI thanks American Federation for the Blind for continuing to bring people together with new resources and information concerning the impact of COVID-19 on the blind and visually impaired community.  If you would like to visit AFB's website for more information, please click here.