Tis the season for holiday gatherings with loved ones, but with an increase in social activities comes the chance for spreading of germs…and unfortunately getting sick.

While at-home COVID-19 tests have been available to the public for some time now, those tests are not very accessible for those with vision issues. Thankfully, Ohioans now have a state-sponsored, accessible way to figure out if their stuffy nose and sore throat are just a cold, or something more through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)’s latest collaboration. The State of Ohio now offers free virtual assistance for Ohioans who are blind or have low vision who want to take an at-home COVID-19 test.

Through ODH and OOD’s collaboration and a partnership with Be My Eyes, individuals can use their smartphone for virtual assistance as they take their COVID-19 test. Be My Eyes is a free app that aids users with a variety of tasks through video calls with sighted volunteers and professionals.

For Ohio residents using the app to take an at-home COVID-19 test, an experienced customer support representative from Accessible Pharmacy will help by reading print information and instructions included in the kit, giving step by step guidance throughout the testing process and reading the test result. This service is only available to receive calls Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastern time.

Accessible Pharmacy Services is a comprehensive, home delivery pharmacy service that specializes in the needs of members of the blind, DeafBlind, low vision community and their families.

Ohio is the first state to partner with Be My Eyes and Accessible Pharmacy to help increase accessibility with at-home COVID tests.

This service is entirely dependent on the participant’s capability to use their smartphone. For clients in Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Sight Center offers smartphone training to clients who need help making their phones more accessible. Call 216-791-8118 to get started on that process today.