Giving Compass' Take:

• COVID-19 further exacerbates problems for people with disabilities, who are at higher risk of contracting coronavirus. Srilakshmi Bellamkonda calls for government bodies to collaborate on solutions that meet the needs of these communities. 

•  How can donors play a role in government aid and collaboration? 

• Read about the impact of COVID-19 on rural India. 

Since the beginning of the year, more than 200 nations across the globe have been affected by COVID-19. Many are still reeling under the devastating effects of the pandemic, with both public health and the global economy having taken a major blow.

Despite governments having taken drastic steps, including offering varying degrees of support to their citizens, there remain certain sections of society that have been inadvertently excluded. Persons with disabilities (PwDs)—more than one billion in number globally—are one such group. This is because much of the advocacy on how to stay safe during the pandemic has not factored in the inability of people who are immobile or living with mental illnesses to follow these instructions. “Containment measures, such as social distancing and self-isolation, may be impossible for those who rely on the support of others to eat, dress, and bathe.” 1 The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a document highlighting this issue, and explaining how PwDs may be at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Some of these include:

  • Accessibility issues may limit how often PwDs are able to wash their hands
  • PwDs who require additional support may find it difficult to practice physical distancing, and many caregivers may be reluctant to provide their services due to the contagious nature of the novel coronavirus
  • People with intellectual impairments cannot be expected to cope with self-isolation
  • People with visual disabilities rely on “touch functions for mobility and work”, thereby increasing their risk of infection
  • Public health information remains inaccessible, which acts as a barrier, particularly for people with hearing impairments
  • PwDs may be at greater risk, as people with underlying health conditions, particularly those related to respiratory function, immune system function, heart disease, or diabetes, are more likely to be infected with COVID-19

Read the full article about how COVID-19 impacts people with disabilities by Srilakshmi Bellamkonda at India Development Review.