DISAbility in lockdown

Some musings on how lockdown has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities…

On the Disability Discrimination Act’s 25th Anniversary, new research shows that disabled people have been severely overlooked during the pandemic. It’s clear that we must deliver an individualised strategy for disabled people in lockdown to ensure they receive the vital support they need…

A recent BBC News survey asked 1,000+ people about life in the UK with a disability, and how it has changed during the pandemic: an appalling 65% felt their rights had regressed, while 71% said disabled people's needs had been overlooked. The survey, commissioned to mark the Disability Discrimination Act’s 25th anniversary, shows the extent to which disabled people have been overlooked during the pandemic — despite reassurances from government that there wouldn’t be problems in a second wave and people with disabilities wouldn’t be disproportionately impacted.

Furthermore, a report by Citizens Advice, recently found that 48% of those who have been shielding (because they are extremely vulnerable due to health conditions) have lost their job during to the pandemic. This is compared to 17% of adults of working age. Meanwhile the proportion of employers who say their organisation employs disabled staff has fallen to 33% this year— a 16 percentage point drop from 2018 (49%). At a time when small gains were being made for disability employment, this is a huge backwards step.

Whether it’s a lack of care provision or job losses, the effects of the pandemic have been felt hardest by those with disabilities or additional needs. Just take for instance ‘The Coronavirus Act’ which gave councils the ability to reduce care, education and mental health provision for disabled people during the pandemic. Whilst nearly six out of 10 deaths from Covid-19 were of disabled people— according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. It’s clear that we must deliver a more comprehensive and individualised strategy for disabled people during the pandemic to ensure they are protected.

Speaking to the BBC, Tara Parker, director of programmes at WellChild, criticised the government for so far failing to meet these needs: "It's a complete lack of contingency planning and thought about disabled people and their families. They've struggled with the right PPE, access to their usual therapies, respite, across the board, there has been a lack of clarity for disabled people what their path should be through this pandemic."

As the UK enters its second lockdown, greater attention must be placed on disability to mitigate the destructive effects of the pandemic and ensure families are receiving the vital support they need. More than ever, inclusive policymaking is imperative.