The Vision Foundation and RNIB have jointly written to Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, to draw his attention to the significant challenges faced by London’s blind and partially sighted population in the current crisis.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, our charities have focused on making sure that blind and partially sighted people get the support and information they need. Safely self-isolating, getting food, medicines and accessing information are a huge concern for people.
The letter focuses specifically on the challenges of access food and supermarket shopping. The RNIB has been receiving 100 calls a day on this and our own research with individuals living with sight loss and local organisations shows this to be the number one issue during this crisis so far. We have asked the Mayor to write to DEFRA to address the needs of blind and partially sighted people as a key priority.
In addition we have passed on our concerns about the accessibility of information being shared. Given the seriousness of the crisis, it is vital that all communications are accessible so that everyone knows how to keep themselves and others safe. Our letter directs the Mayor’s teams to these accessibility tips from the RNIB and we have asked the Mayor to champion accessibility across the public sector in London.
Together with RNIB we are looking forward to working with the Mayor of London and his teams to ensure the needs of Londoners who are blind and partially sighted are met during this crisis.
