Blindness Kindness

For people who are blind or vision impaired, COVID-19 presents unique challenges. Social distancing is difficult because guide dogs and white canes can't measure the required 1.5 metres, see the new markings on the floor for queuing or read the signs at shops about COVID-19 precautions. These difficulties mean some people who are blind or vision impaired may feel nervous going out, and are spending more time at home than usual. There are some simple strategies the whole community can do to help.

We invite you to #BeThatPerson who approaches someone who is blind or vision impaired - to introduce yourself and ask if you can assist in any way. Whether that be as part of your job, or whilst you're out and about, taking the time to be mindful and offer your help navigating this new normal - can make the world of difference.
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Blind Citizens Australia and The Kindness Pandemic are working together to promote two simple strategies that help the broader community understand how to assist people who are blind or vision impaired during COVID-19 and beyond. The first is how to offer help in person in a respectful (and safe) manner. The second is called 'Alt Text' - a simple way of describing images on social media so that a screen reader reads out exactly what the picture is. Alt Text is an abbreviation of 'alternative text' - it means you are providing a text description of your photo. These simple adjustments can improve the life experiences, inclusivity and accessibility of people who are blind or vision impaired. 

We'll be posting weekly on The Kindness Pandemic Facebook page, sharing stories and tips on how to #BeThatPerson and we encourage you to do the same.

How to participate 

There are two key ways to participate in the Campaign. The first outlines what to do if you notice a person with a white cane or guide dog who may need help with navigation. The second is the Alt Text process for describing images on social media so they can be experienced by people who are blind or vision impaired using screen reading technology. 

Meeting a person who is
​blind or vision impaired

Alt Text:
Describing images 
 If you notice someone with a white cane or a guide dog looking a little confused or like they may need some assistance in navigating their path here are some useful ways you can help:
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  1. Approach the person to 1.5 meters
  2. Introduce yourself and please do not touch the person or their dog
  3. Ask if they would like any help 

If you do this we would love you to Share a post with us on Kindness Pandemic about your experience.

Use the hashtag #BeThatPerson
​or #BlindnessKindness
If you put an image on social media, adding a description will enable your photo to be experienced by people who are blind or visually impaired (NB: Text in photos isn't able to be read by a screen reader, so needs to be described also):
  1. Auto description: Social media platforms automatically generate alt-text, however they can often be vague. Click Edit Photo, then click Alt Text. The text will be shown on the left side of your photo - you can overwrite it.
  2. Manual description: After uploading your photo you can click to open, click options and change Alt Text. Alternatively you can just caption your photo in the main text of your post.
  3. Tag: #BeThatPerson or #AltText.

A message from the Disability Discrimination Commmissioner

Australia's Deputy Chief Medial Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth interviews Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Ben Gauntlett, on how people with disability live in COVID era - and reflects on the #BeThatPerson campaign. 

Story Gallery 

 In this section we will share some of the stories from people who are blind or vision impaired and what it means to be able to get out and about safely and independently through people's offers of assistance.

Partners

This Campaign is a collaboration between Blind Citizens Australia and the Kindness Pandemic. 

More information