Update: Free at-home COVID-19 tests for blind/low-vision people
Order online or by phone while supplies last; Sept. 2 deadline does not apply to these tests.
Since June, blind and low-vision users have been able to order Ellume COVID home tests, which were found by blind users to be more accessible than the other at-home tests currently available, at no cost through COVIDtests.gov. More than 800,000 of these tests have been distributed to date.
Online ordering was briefly suspended to ensure that these tests were being directed to people who are blind or have low vision, but online ordering has resumed.
Note: Although the program that has provided free standard COVID-19 tests will be suspended on Sept. 2, this does NOT apply to the tests for people who are blind or have low vision. Orders will be accepted while supplies last.
However, supplies of these tests are becoming limited, so people are again asked to order these tests only if they do not have a way to use the other types of tests, such as assistive technology or a trusted family member or friend who can assist (in person or via video call).
How to order:
- If you are blind or have low vision, you can order the more accessible tests online through a dedicated webpage or by calling 1-800-232-0233. These tests will be available for order until supplies run out.
- If you are able to use the other types of tests (and have not placed a third order), you can order online through the main ordering page or by calling 1-800-232-0233. This program will be suspended on Sept. 2, 2022.
More information:
- The Ellume COVID-19 home test was found by blind users to be more accessible than the other at-home tests currently available. The test was not created specifically for blind users, and it is not perfectly accessible, but blind users have found that they could use this test independently.
- Some of the app functions, parts of the test itself, and portions of the instructions have created challenges users have had to navigate around. Based on the experiences people have shared -- and their suggestions for addressing some of the challenges -- we compiled these supplemental instructions to help people who are blind or who have low vision use the test.
- For more information, visit ACL.gov.
ACL.gov
Advancing independence, integration, and inclusion throughout life
Contact the Administration for Community Living.
This Update was sent by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC, 20201 US