In the latest episode of The Accessibility Corner podcast, George Zavala talked to Hector Ocaranza, of the City-County Health Authority about the measures that individuals with disabilities should take to minimize their exposure to the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Covid and influenza that is impacting our community. Ocaranza emphasized the importance of wearing masks, washing hands and staying away from large gatherings such as concerts.

According to Ocaranza, there are currently over 130 individuals hospitalized in the county and over 20 in intensive care units (ICU). Ocaranza expects those numbers to raise. Ocaranza also emphasized the importance of keeping up with vaccinations and boosters to reduce the onset of severe symptoms and possible hospitalization. Readers can visit The Accessibility Corner to hear the podcast. Readers interested in learning more can search over 65 community resources on accessibility. Ask Alexa to “play the latest episode of The Accessibility Corner podcast” to hear the episode.

In other news, the El Paso Council of the Blind showcased their new center that will empower individuals with a visual impairment through assistive technology training, independent living skills and orientation and mobility training along with much more. Since the Lighthouse for the Blind closed their doors several years ago, individuals with a visual impairment in our community have not had access to resources to help them. The latest estimate by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation is that over 70% of the disabled population are unemployed or under employed. The El Paso Council of the Blind intends to address employment issues for the blind. Visit the website for the El Paso Council of the Blind, or call them at (915) 333-6080 for more information.

Disclosure: George Zavala serves on the El Paso Council of the Blind Board of Directors.