Impacts of Covid-19

The impacts of Covid-19 on people with disabilities were discussed in eight submissions (AI; TEJP; DFI; Chime; CPPN; NFVSP; Leap; and the IDS).

The NFVSP argued that families caring for people with disabilities have “been severely tested” as services were “curtailed” due to Covid-19, with ongoing resource limitations being experienced. This point was echoed by Leap. They recommended the SoS commit to funding Covid-19 related costs to enable adequate supports for 2021. SPMHS referenced IHREC, who noted that the

pandemic has been particularly difficult on people with disabilities, with mental health a key concern.

DFI discussed the potential for Covid-19 to exacerbate unemployment and poverty rates among people with disabilities. They also discussed how the pandemic has highlighted the issue of people under the age of 65 with disabilities living in nursing homes, and requested that this be addressed within the DCEDIY SoS.

The IDS made recommendations regarding access to interpreters during the pandemic, including that the current GP access scheme remains open following the pandemic, especially among those with lower incomes2. The IDS also recommended that guidelines regarding testing and tracing (including communicating with healthcare staff in PPE), as well as safe nuancing regarding the wearing of facemasks, be implemented. Chime, who also represent the deaf community welcomed ISL interpreters as part of public Covid-19 briefings, however echoing the IDS, identified that Covid- 19 testing and tracing is phone-based, posing difficulties for the deaf community.