Caring for Persons with Disabilities in the context of Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens all members of society, persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted due to attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers that are reproduced in the COVID-19 response. Many persons with disabilities have pre-existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to contracting the virus, experiencing more severe symptoms upon infection, leading to elevated levels of death. During the COVID-19 crisis, persons with disabilities who are dependent on support for their daily living may find themselves isolated and unable to survive during this period, while those living in institutions are vulnerable to more devastating conditions including contraction of the Coronavirus that may lead to massive deaths within the institutions.