A new era of accessibility

Context: There is an opportunity for policymakers to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities in the post-COVID world.

Impact of the crisis on people with disability:

• Lockdown induced challenges: In India, the plight of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 crisis has increased further.

• Locked Down and Left Behind: As per this study of the 1,067 respondents, 73% are facing severe challenges with financial stability, access to essential items, and availability of healthcare. 

• Lack access to critical care takers: Thousands of families lack access to critical care takers and domestic help to look after the disabled children.

• Doing work from home along with addressing the needs of disabled children has become challenging for many parents.

• Social isolation, adequate sanitation or isolation facilities will further threaten health and safety of people with disability.
• Inequitable accessibility: The pandemic has decreased access to basic services and rights like education, healthcare, transportation and economic opportunities.

WAY FORWARD:

• Engaging people : to promote education and awareness on including persons with disabilities.

• Reduce Stigma: Developing the tools for individuals and communities to engage meaningfully with persons with disabilities.

• Implementing accessibility laws and regulations. 
• Ensuring Accessibility: The goal of Universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals can only be achieved with universal accessibility through innovative construction designs.
• Reduce Stigma: Developing the tools for individuals and communities to engage meaningfully with persons with disabilities.
• Involving persons with disabilities in decision and policy making for COVID-19 recovery.
• Investments: Recovery plans for COVID-19  should include support in accessibility for persons with disability.