COVID-19 INQUIRY: 15 Percent of Blind Individuals Claim They Faced Bullying Over Social Distancing

A Vision Australia survey has revealed 15 percent of blind and low vision Australians were “abused or bullied” for having difficulties complying with social distancing requirements. This was one of many findings Vision Australia outlined in its submission to the federal government’s COVID-19 inquiry. The inquiry has received 2,090 submissions from individuals and members of the public, a response that panel members have described as “overwhelming.” Vision Australia said people with disability were among the groups that were severely impacted by all aspects of the pandemic. The organisation, which assists 26,000 people who are blind or have low vision every year, conducted multiple client surveys during the pandemic to highlight challenges in the low vision and blind community....