Impact of Social Distancing in the Lives of Individuals with Vision Impairments

Abstract

ABSTRACT Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are likely to be one of the most vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19 because of the circumstances, such as requiring close contact with care providers, difficulty in maintaining social distancing from other people. Utilising semi-structured interviews and a thematic content analysis technique, this paper analysed the impact of COVID-19 and the corresponding social distancing measures on individuals with visual impairments in Nepal. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 individuals employed in various sectors. In relation to difficulties arising from social distancing, participants experienced challenges, particularly in mobility, shopping for daily goods, participation in social and cultural functions, and banking services. While participants reported mixed feelings on the behaviour from their families, they experienced avoidance from friends without disabilities and pedestrians, which was perceived by them as biases and stigma that PWDs may infect others with COVID-19. Additionally, participants were anxious about their daily living, partly due to the spread of COVID-19, inadequate awareness of market owners on the needs, and restriction measures without any assistance for PWDs.