As I am writing this March 20th, 2020, all any one can think about is the COVID-19 crisis. All of America is stuck in their home, and everyone is grieving and scared in their own way. However, there is a community of individuals who are especially worried about their health and wellbeing in these times: the disability community.
As we know, individuals with chronic health conditions are more at risk for serious adverse effects. Many individuals with disabilities have these co-occurring medical conditions that put them at risk from the beginning. In addition, it can be hard for many to follow recommendations such as hand washing for those who have less use of their hands or are less able to operate sinks, or concentrate for the whole 20 second to do a thorough enough job. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may not understand social distancing.
Many individuals with disabilities are dependent on other people to complete daily activities. Caregivers are in a tough situation in which public health agencies are advising them to stay home; however, another individual depends on their close contact and assistance to live. Parents who rely on school services for care of their children with disabilities no longer have this as an option. These kids no longer have access to therapy, or access to an education with teachers who are specially trained.
Individuals with disabilities face every-day discrimination that puts them at risk during rationing. Those deemed more likely to live and thrive in the community may be chosen to receive ventilators. Individuals with disabilities fear that they will be passed over in favor of someone more able bodied. Andrew Purlang writes a great post on Forbes going into more detail on what I summarized above, and I would strongly recommend reading the full post here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/03/19/updates-on-coronavirus-and-the-disabled-community/#367e031a187a.
The Arc is fighting for the disability community through Congress and has made strides to include the unique needs of this community in the emergency relief bill. They are advocating for specific funding for the supports of individuals with disabilities, as well as access to a 90-day supply of necessary medications and refills. More about the efforts of The Arc can be found here: https://thearc.org/coronavirus-relief-bill-the-arc-fights-for-disability-community/ .
