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Social Distancing: Loneliness for Persons with Disabilities

Social distancing, self-isolation and a lockdown for persons with disabilities and their families have a seismic impact. social contact is now limited to support workers paid to support individuals with disabilities

© Pexels/Alex Green

(Pexels/Alex Green)

Coronavirus has made enforced separation a universal experience, but there are additional and far-reaching challenges for persons with disabilities and their families. Coronavirus hits ill people and persons with disabilities hardest, so why is society writing us off? Siblings, guardians and parents of persons with disabilities fill in so many gaps for services – like outings, breaks, family occasions. But also, the more subtle ones like vigilance, keeping an eye, safeguarding. When they can’t be there, what happens? How do siblings keep their brothers and sisters safe in such unprecedented times?

Social distancing, self-isolation and a lockdown for persons with disabilities and their families have a seismic impact. Social contact is now limited to support workers paid to support individuals with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are already among society’s most segregated people. The health inequalities experienced by persons with disabilities are well documented, and research suggests persons with disabilities are seven times as likely as those without disabilities to be lonely.

While necessary, the government’s coronavirus directive has potentially devastating implications for persons with disabilities and their families. Support may be restricted to meeting essential needs; thus, emergency government initiatives should be in place for persons with disabilities i.e. launching a support fund on the following: promoting their health and well-being; providing opportunities for leadership development; creating activities that follow social distancing guidelines, and engagement with family, friends, and peers; decreasing anxiety due to social distancing; or increasing positive shared experiences. Such a support fund would ensure the rights and entitlements of all persons with disabilities and their families are not undermined.

Given that persons with disabilities get poorer care and die earlier than those without, what will happen if a person with a disability falls ill? Are the critical care guidelines issued by the Ministry of health accessible for all? During Covid-19 illness how effectively do the guidelines define accessible isolation, accessible quarantine, social distancing and assistive devices and last but not least; social distancing and social care for persons with disabilities. It is certain that for a support focused on outcomes that enable persons with disabilities to be healthy and maximize their choice and wellbeing as well as to get effective and friendly intensive care; the guidance must be clarified.

Mwavuna Kazungu


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