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Loneliness often affects people who are blind or have low vision.
Barriers like limited transport, poorly designed public spaces, and digital platforms that aren't accessible can significantly limit social participation.
Social stigma and a lack of awareness among the wider community can further exacerbate feelings of isolation. Over time, this disconnection can harm mental health and diminish overall quality of life.
Addressing these barriers is essential to fostering inclusion and well-being within the blind and low vision community.
Loneliness and its impacts
In 2022, the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that 20 percent of Australians aged 15 and over felt lonely. The study also revealed that 19 per cent of people with disabilities experienced social isolation, compared to 9.5 per cent of able-bodied individuals. People with disabilities are 1.9 times more likely to feel lonely.
A 2023 report by Vision Australia reveals that 43 percent of respondents believe that people with low vision and blindness are more likely to experience loneliness, a trend consistent across all genders and age groups.
Humans are naturally social creatures who flourish when surrounded by peers through shared interests and connections. A lack of such bonds can affect a person's development, self-esteem, and raise their risk of depression.
It can also lead to physical side effects such as stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, and irritability. These issues are made worse by the challenges of living with blindness or low vision.
Addressing loneliness and isolation
There are many tools in the arsenal to tackle loneliness if you live with blindness and low vision.
Joining support groups
Vision Australia provides numerous support groups both face-to-face and online, where you can connect with like-minded individuals seeking to build lasting relationships.
They cover topics like sport, music, dating, employment, and quality of life.
Support groups
Find out more about offerings such as Telelink, Quality Living Groups and Check in and Chat.
Support groupsUsing accessible technology
Accessible technologies like ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion assist people with low vision or blindness to stay connected by simplifying communication and digital access.
These tools encourage social engagement, independence, and help lessen feelings of isolation.
Interested in learning more?
Vision Australia can help with assessments, training and equipment.
Interested in learning more?Participating in community events or volunteer work
Participating in volunteering and community events supports people with blindness or low vision to combat loneliness by encouraging social connections, building confidence, and fostering a sense of purpose.
These activities provide opportunities to meet new people, contribute to meaningful causes, and feel appreciated within the community. Shared experiences also help break down social barriers and promote inclusion, making it easier for individuals with visual impairments to develop lasting relationships and maintain emotional bonds.
Vision Australia offers a range of different events across the country, and also has an extensive volunteering network.
Other support organisations
Contact Beyond Blue:
Beyond Blue offers mental health support and recruits volunteers to act as community ambassadors and online forum moderators, who help reduce isolation through shared experiences and outreach.
Contact Lifeline:
Lifeline provides crisis support and telephone services, where trained volunteers listen to those feeling lonely or distressed.