Blind Sheffield woman says people with sight problems have been forgotten

Martha Foulds says visually impaired people have not been classed as vulnerable by the government but are really struggling.

"Keeping that social distance makes going to the shops much more difficult," explained Martha, from Broomhall.

"A lot of people use online grocery deliveries but it's almost impossible to book one at the moment.

"Disabled people feel they are being let down. It's really frustrating when you can't go to the supermarket but it terrifies me to think who is living out there alone with no help or food."

Martha says even if she's lucky enough to get a delivery, the restrictions are also making it difficult.

"I live alone and normally I have a personal assistant who helps with tasks but she can't come during lockdown.

"She helps a lot with my cooking but without her I have to rely on basic food which I can cook, such as microwave rice and tins of beans. These are also the items which are restricted to three per customer."

Martha, who works with adults with disabilities, also had a role at the Hallamshire Hospital's eye clinic where she supported people who had been diagnosed with sight problems.

She said even the NHS letter, sent to 1.5m people telling them to shield until mid June, wasn't suitable for visually impaired people.

"All the letters and posters at the eye clinic are on yellow paper because the contrast between that and the black text helps people but the NHS letters were sent on grey paper."

Martha's MP Paul Blomfield, who represents Sheffield Central, said it was important to ensure lockdown wasn't doubly difficult for people with disabilities.

"There’s a great network of local support groups, but it’s important that everybody’s aware of them and those with disabilities mustn’t miss out.

"It’s why I wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of the deaf community, urging the Government to have a sign language interpreter at their daily briefings. The coronavirus measures are creating challenges for everyone."

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