With social distancing and my mind on the coronavirus, I’ve started to wonder how the disability community is being affected by this global crisis. An already vulnerable population, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities could be one of the hardest-hit groups. The unemployment rate of people with disabilities is incredibly high, and with the economy crashing, it will likely get worse. Often, the jobs that people with disabilities work are hourly and seen as expendable in the eyes of corporations. Not only will jobs be affected, but also health. Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities also face medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for contracting coronavirus or they may struggle to access medical appointments because of the overpopulation in hospitals currently.
I haven’t been the only person curious about how this population will be affected. Forbes points out how many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on services to live independently. Instead of living in a group living area, they may opt to live on their own but need people to check in with them, drop off essential items like food, that they’re appropriately managing their finances, and make sure that they are staying healthy. This option grants people with disabilities the opportunity to live a productive life in which they maintain control over their own lives. However, with social distancing and services like this being low priority, individuals with disabilities may struggle with their independent living option or have to move into a group home.
Forbes also mentions that there may be some positive aspects for the disability community. With people all over the world starting to work from home, jobs are being forced to accommodate their workers and make sure that their content is accessible. Since many people with disabilities prefer or have to work from home, employers may be more willing to empathize with these individuals and understand what they need for success.
The ARC (a community that provides services and connections for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities) points out that the new emergency relief bill. By providing money to families, the government may be preventing a crisis from the likely skyrocketing rates of unemployment in the disability community. Additionally, the bill will support families to take off work to care for relatives with disabilities, as their primary caretakers may not be able to continue working with their clients.
While it is certainly a scary time right now, I am glad that the government is stepping up to take care of more vulnerable populations and acknowledging some of their needs. Hopefully, Congress will continue to aid the disability community and make sure that they are hearing them and what they need is in time.
