COVID-19 highlighted the disparities for those living with a disability. Approximately one billion people in the world are affected by a type of disability. When COVID-19 became a pandemic, the lack of support systems in countries, including the United States, left many without access to integral support systems.
The United Nations’ (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) defines disabilities as “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” When programs and services are not disability-inclusive, those with disabilities are often left out of programs and conversations about medical, social, and financial services. The lack of a disability-inclusive support and response system, especially during COVID-19’s social isolation regulation, caused harm.
Those with a disability already face several uncertainties. A few are risks to their:
People with disabilities such as a spinal cord injury (SCI) may have fewer tools to cope with economic stressors. Pre-COVID-19 research found that those with a disability often have weaker social support systems, food insecurity, and less savings. The additional increased costs for medical needs can further decrease their savings.
The onset of social isolation regulations caused by COVID-19 put many at risk of losing the support and medical systems they had in place. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic magnified the inequities and weaknesses in the health and social systems. The lack of or weakness of these systems was a catalyst for people to have a higher chance of using adverse coping mechanisms.