The Disruption of Assistive Technology During COVID-19 Social Isolation
The impact of COVID-19 was felt globally. While many found themselves isolated, those with disabilities were affected more than most. The disparities became evident when COVID-19 disrupted healthcare services such as assistive technology.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) is a comprehensive term that encompasses braille devices, mobility products such as wheelchairs, and communication technologies. These devices are vital for some to engage with those around them and essential to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. Assistive technology is also an honored part of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
People with disabilities like spinal cord injury (SCI) and their families were unduly impacted because the ecosystem wasn’t prepared to continue providing the necessary services. An inclusive response must cover their healthcare needs regardless of age or location.
COVID-19 Isolation Regulations
COVID-19 social isolation regulations highlighted the weaknesses in the country’s social systems. Social systems compromise economic, health care, and social protective systems. The weaknesses increased an already existing gap in social systems that affects those with disabilities.
When countries implemented COVID-19 social isolation regulations, much of the information was developed without regard for those in the deaf, blind, or other disabled communities. People weren’t receiving news about the social isolation regulations, updates about COVID-19, or when they would receive the help needed.
Global public health responses had numerous secondary ramifications, including the disruption of trade and travel, the inability to perform public health duties, and the lack of access to essential medical services. Another disruption included a lack of access to necessary upkeep and repair services for assistive technology devices.
People with pre-existing health conditions, specific conditions such as SCI, or compromised immune systems were at a higher risk of infection and severe side effects. The inability to communicate or learn to prevent or protect themselves from COVID-19 put them in danger. Furthermore, the decreased or lack of access to essential services required for their AT placed an undue burden on those with disabilities. For example, when an assistive communication device required service, many couldn’t connect with repair people or receive the necessary parts to fix their device, which were unavailable. This meant many could no longer communicate with those around them thus endangering their physical and mental well-being.
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Response to Assistive Technology Needs
Governments globally were less likely to respond to the needs of those requiring AT. However, some governments did acknowledge the gap in care. A report, COVID-19, Access and Assistive Technology: The Need for Preparedness, shows the differences in the response rate from January 2020 to March 2021. In the early months of the social isolation regulations, the problems with delivering the necessary AT increased. The report also showed a decrease in the lack of access to essential services by March 2021. However, by March 2021, the problems superseded the pre-pandemic lack of access to care numbers.
The Future
Assistive technology is an essential part of social systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, approximately 1 to 2.5 billion people rely on some form of AT, such as a communication device. People who rely on these devices, their loved ones, and care/medical providers are calling for a change in how the system responds to catastrophic health crises. Social system structures need to reflect the needs of all those who rely on them for their well-being. There should be focused changes on how the systems care for those who are in vulnerable populations.
To learn more about disability rights during the pandemic, visit the National Disability Rights Network.
To learn how to engage with others and advocate for disability rights, including SCI rights, visit the advocacy page of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s website.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS, is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve healthcare policy for those with long-term health issues.