How To Safeguard Disabled People From The Current Pandemic
At the moment, the world is grappling with the effects of the health crisis that is Covid-19. Almost all countries in the world have been affected by the pandemic. Some countries have already managed to control the spread of the disease. Other countries, like the US, are still struggling to cope.
People from all walks of life are affected by the disease. It does not discriminate between people based on any criteria. Some people infected with the disease don’t even display any symptoms. However, the disease can prove fatal for people with comorbidities, and people with advanced age are more prone to severe symptoms.
According to WHO, there are now over 12 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 and there have been more than half a million deaths from the disease. All of these numbers are continuously increasing. Thus, it is important to make sure that all members of society are protected from this pandemic, especially disabled people.
Disabled people are not just the people you see in Rolstoel wheelchairs or crutches because of their inability to move freely. They are also those who are deaf and mute, the blind, and those with learning disabilities.
This group of people is often discriminated against and ostracized from society, making them even more vulnerable during this difficult time. For this reason, governments should take special steps to ensure that they are safeguarded from the devastating effects of this pandemic. Some ways to do this include the following:
Communication Is Key
During this time of uncertainty, dissemination of helpful and accurate information is vital to protect everyone from the disease. It’s important to make sure that this vital information is delivered to everyone in a timely manner.
It should be ensured that everyone, including people with diminished hearing and those who are deaf, understands the information disseminated through the television and other media. In this case, a sign language expert must be present every time information regarding the prevention, isolation, and other services pertinent to the pandemic is delivered.
It’s also equally important to deliver potentially lifesaving information to people in a simple manner. This will enable everyone, including those with intellectual disabilities, to understand what is being said.
Make Services Accessible To People With Disabilities
People of advanced age are at a higher risk of getting the Covid-19 virus because a lot of them live in congregate living spaces or homes for the aged. Living in such places, where they can easily get crowded in the common areas where they interact with other residents makes it riskier for them to get infected.
When dealing with elders of advanced age or those that have comorbidities, mobility is often an issue. More often than not, they need assistance from someone or they need extra light folding wheelchairs to be able to move around. They are often dependent on it to move around and perform tasks.
This makes it more difficult for them to go to places in order to get testing done when required. They also have to wait in long lines along with others to get tested.
Going out to buy necessary items to be able to protect themselves can also be difficult. For example, face masks, hygiene items like soap, alcohol, and more. Availability of basic supplies and services is crucial if they are to survive this pandemic. You can also utilize assisted living management consultants to help find the best services for your loved one.
Strictly Implement Physical Distancing Measures
Physical distancing, along with handwashing and use of face mask in public spaces, has been one of the most effective measures in helping lower the chances of transmitting Covid-19. Thus, to avoid getting infected, physical distancing has to be practiced from people you are not isolating with.
However, elderly populations living in congregate homes or assisted living facilities often interact with people who are not isolating with them in the form of their nurses, staff at the facilities, and visitors. This further exposes them to infection.
To prevent this from happening, a strict implementation of physical distancing must be ensured. Solutions could include sending the residents of a facility to isolate with their family if medically possible. If not, visitors must not be allowed in the facility, and staffs and nurses must wear personal protective gears at all times.
Make Sure No One Gets Left Behind When Implementing Policies
Leadership and policy-making by government officials is vital during these times. Creation of sound policies that contribute to flattening the curve and limit the infection of people is important if countries are to succeed in fighting Covid-19.
However, to be completely successful, governments should ensure that no one is left behind in this fight, especially the disabled segment. There is an estimated 1 billion disabled people worldwide and policies should ensure that they are protected, as well.
To do this, the concerned authorities should engage and consult with them to find out the problems and challenges they are facing, and provide meaningful solutions.
Conclusion
Now is the time to set aside politics and work together to make sure that the pandemic will not get worse. People should cooperate to flatten the curve and lessen the number of infections. However, this can’t be done without making sure that all community members, including the disabled, are protected.
