Free COVID tests are available to order again, this time including more accessible tests for people with disabilities.
Order On-line:
Order by phone:
Call 1-800-232-0233 to reach the CDC Information line, and then:
- Select language: Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish, 3 for other languages
- Press 1 to order regular COVID-19 at-home tests
- Press 8 to order the more accessible tests, or remain on the line to order the regular tests.
Accessible Test Information
None of the tests on the market today are fully accessible, because all must be read visually. However, some tests have features that make them more accessible than others.
Based on input from people with low dexterity, people who have low vision, and the National Federation for the Blind, the Orasure InteliSwab test was found to be the most accessible of the available options, because:
- The test has only three components – a swab, a tube the swab is inserted into, and a base that holds the tube.
- There is no liquid that must be added to a test cartridge, which means:
- There are no drops to count visually, which creates problems for blind/low-vision users
- There is no dropper to squeeze, which can be difficult for people with low dexterity
- Components are easily distinguishable from each other by feel. The handle of the swab also is easily identified by feel, which makes it easier for blind/low vision users to avoid touching the swab.
- The components are much larger than most (important for users with low dexterity):
- This makes them easier to handle in general.
- There are no small pieces that have to be inserted into each other; the opening the swab is inserted into is much larger than the swab.
- Administering the test is a simple process. The user has to place the tube into the base, swab their nose, and place swab in the tube.
In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services worked with OraSure to make the test instructions fully accessible to blind users by:
- Creating digital PDF instructions with alt text, so the instructions can be read with screen readers.
- Creating descriptive audio for the instructional video.
- Ensuring the website itself is navigable with assistive technologies like screen readers.
- Making the instructions easy to find on the company’s website.
HHS continues to support development of test technologies to improve accessibility.