Blind Kiwis getting a bit more space under pandemic rules

Restrictions on the number of people allowed in bars and restaurants has made life easier for Stephanie Jobson because she is blind.

Stephanie Jobson is pleased with the promise of fewer people in restaurants, table service and more room between seating.

Gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed from Friday but the requirement for table service at bars and restaurants remains.

“For a blind person that is gold,” says Ms Jobson, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Her condition affects her mobility and she says having to navigate through crowded spaces to order at the bar usually results in her bumping into tables and chairs.

“It’s just a nightmare,” says Ms Jobson.

“What I can see in my central vision is just like anyone who would wear glasses but I don’t have any peripheral,” says Ms Jobson.

“I have 2 per cent vision and am legally blind.”

Ms Jobson transitioned to working her clerical job from home during lockdown.

She has enjoyed the absence of greetings involving handshakes and hugs as these can be awkward for her with people who do not realise she is blind.

“I don’t look blind so that creates a bit of confusion.”

Ms Jobson is excited at the potential to continue working from home in the future.

She was working from her laptop at first and found the screen was too small for her to complete some tasks.

Now that she is set up with a large monitor she says she is much more productive than being in the office.

Level two has largely meant a return to normal for Tony Wilson, who has been blind since childhood.

Mr Wilson says the restrictions that remain in place do not affect him as much as they may impact anyone else because he normally has someone guiding him.

“It is their responsibility to make sure they are keeping the two-metre distance, not mine,” Mr Wilson says.

He enjoyed playing music at bars and pubs and was planning to take up the hobby again before lockdown was announced.

Mr Wilson is eager for the opportunity to go gigging again when bars settle into a routine.