BLIND/LOW VISION

Those living with complete or total vision loss may find the thought of maneuvering during an emergency frightful. Preparation can help ease some of this fear. People living with vision loss include the following:

  • Blind: People are considered blind if they have severe vision loss and see only darkness. People who are also considered blind include those whose vision consists of seeing only light perception, seeing light and shadow, or those who see movement or outlines of objects but cannot make out details.
  • Low Vision: Some people are considered “legally blind” because they can only see limited areas at a time, have patchy or no central vision, or are hypersensitive to glare. They may be able to do many tasks, but still have enough trouble with their vision that they are limited in other areas.

Tips to Prepare

  • Have a trusted friend or family member you can call on to assist you during an emergency. This is particularly important if you have to evacuate to a shelter or some other unfamiliar surroundings.
  • A service animal may become confused or frustrated during an emergency, so practice emergency drills with your service animal to ensure that they are comfortable with the process.
  • Plan an evacuation route in your home. Arrange furniture for an easy escape route and practice evacuating at least twice a year. For those with some vision, consider placing lights along the evacuation route for additional assistance.
  • Advocate for your local television stations to announce warnings and important phone numbers slowly and frequently for the visually impaired.

Emergency Supply Kit

  • Medical equipment that is adapted for those with limited sight. This includes: talking thermometer, talking blood pressure machine, talking glucometer, talking medication labels.
  • Service animal supplies such as extra leash, grooming tools, food, bowls, water
  • Extra cane
  • If possible, a cell phone for quick contact with family members or friends

Tips for Those Assisting Individuals Living with Blindness/Low Vision

  • Place large print and Braille signs near restrooms, exits, and medical stations.
  • Designate a place for individuals with blindness/low vision and make sure there is security to ensure that items are not stolen.
  • Give plenty of verbal information about surroundings, safety precautions, and other pertinent information. Even better, allow guided tours so that the blind/low vision individuals are completely comfortable with surroundings.
  • Make surrounding areas unobtrusive. Either close all doors, or leave all doors open. Whatever the decision, make sure that it is consistent. Additionally, make sure all chairs and tables are located in areas out of the pathway for walking.

Service Animals

Federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act) allows people with blindness/low vision to bring their service animals into a shelter. Below are some tips of how to ensure that service animals are properly maintained at a shelter.

  • Instruct those in the shelter not to pet, play, or feed service animals. This may cause service animals to become distracted or irritated and unable to assist the person they are guiding.
  • Make sure that service animals and their owners have their own designated location to ensure that those allergic to animals, such as dogs, are not disturbed. Designate a relieving area for the service animals that is equipped with plastic bags and trash cans.

Additional Resources

  • American Foundation for the Blind www.afb.org
  • Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind www.aidb.org
  • Alabama Lions Sight Conservation Association www.lionsmd34.org/alsca
  • Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services www.rehab.alabama.gov
  • American Red Cross www.redcross.org

SOURCE: http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/riskcommunication/assets/CEP.SpecialNeedsBooklet.0716.na.pdf