An official website of the United States government
          Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you know**Official websites use .gov**A
              **.gov** website belongs to an official government
              organization in the United States.
        **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**A
              **lock** (
              Locked padlock icon) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Skip to contentSkip to navigation **Get help with up-to-date COVID-19 vaccines**ACL's Eldercare Locator and DIAL can connect you to tests and vaccines Announcements A - Z Browse For the Network Search
  For the Aging and Disability NetworksFor ConsumersEnsuring Equity and Inclusion
 Home
          Free at-home COVID-19  tests Free at-home COVID-19  tests
 Ellume tests available for people who are blind or who have low vision
**Second round of ordering now open!**
Starting on September 25, every U.S. household had an opportunity to order free at-home COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service.
On November 20, a second round of ordering opened. Each household can now place a second order to receive four more free tests. (Households that have not yet placed an order can place **two** orders now, to receive a total of **eight**tests.)
These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended for use through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.
People who are blind or who have low vision can order Ellume COVID Home Tests, which are more accessible than other options. Supplies of the more accessible tests are limited, so people are asked to order them 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:
**Order regular tests or more accessible tests 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 COVID-19 at-home tests
Press 8 to order the more accessible tests, or remain on the line to order the regular tests
**Additional options for ordering more accessible tests:**
The Disability Information and Access Line can help.  Call 888-677-1199, visit the DIAL website for chat and ASL services, or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org. DIAL operators are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Eastern)
**Order regular tests online**:
Tests for people who are blind or who have low vision can be ordered through the Disability Information and Access Line.Each household may place one order for the more accessible tests and one order for the regular tests.
What makes the Ellume tests more accessible
The test works with a smartphone app to provide:
Audio step-by-step instructions for administering the test.
Audio test results.Supplemental instructions for blind and low vision users
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.
To use the tests, you must
Have a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone.
Download and install a free app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).Need more assistance?
The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide additional assistance with:
Ordering the Ellume tests through this program.
Providing alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests, which may make it possible for blind and low-vision users to use those tests.
For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
Assist with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for results.
Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
Call 888-677-1199, visit the DIAL website for chat and ASL services, or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org. DIAL operators are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Eastern)

                    *Last modified on 12/13/2023*
 Back to Top    What We Do and Why We Do It
ACL was created around the fundamental principle that all people, regardless of age or disability, should be able to live independently and fully participate fully in their communities. Learn more about community living.

FacebookYouTubeTwitter x logo  XLinkedInShare on Other PlatformsSite Support
  

        
      Home
                      Accessibility
                      Disclaimers
                      Contact Us
                      Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
                      Privacy Policy
                      Site Map
                      Viewers & Players
                      Vulnerability Disclosure PolicyMore Covid-19 Sites
  

        
      CDC
                      HHS
                      National COVID-19 Strategy
                      USA.GovOther ACL Sites
  

        
      Disability Assistance and Information Line
                      Eldercare Locator
                      ElderJustice.acl.gov
                      LongTermCare.gov
                      OlderIndians.govRelated Sites
  

        
      Grants.gov
                      HHS.gov
                      No Fear Act
                      Plain Writing (on HHS.gov)
                      USA.gov
                      WhiteHouse.gov
                      Vote.govSign up for ACL updates
Receive important announcements, events, and resources via email.
Subscribe
    An official website of the Administration for Community Living, an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.