By Mary Pianta
Despite the various problems and challenges they have presented, one upside of the adversity of our recent lockdowns is that they have given the non-disabled members of the population a small insight into what it is continually like for some of those living with a disability every day within our community. Since we have all spent lengthy periods of time ‘locked’ in our homes, unable to do the things we enjoy or see friends and family, we were well acquainted with the monotony of days on end spent at home. Surely, we can understand the effect this has on a person’s mental health.
People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 because of reduced access and the disruptions to their routine health care and rehabilitation. Symptoms of depression and anxiety have increased because some found it very difficult to adjust and adapt to changes required by the pandemic. People with mental illness often find isolation and fear particularly debilitating.
During our response to COVID-19, people with disabilities have faced many barriers to inclusion. Assistive technology was not regularly maintained or repaired and social activities or day programs were put on hold or cancelled, leaving people with disabilities to fall back on support of families, if they have them, and losing their independence. Those living with autism or intellectual disabilities have had trouble understanding changes to their daily routines.
Wearing face masks and physically distancing still present a communication barrier for people with hearing loss. Those who are visually impaired, using guide dogs or white canes, have serious difficulties accessing food, programs on internet and support workers. More advanced warning of lockdowns would have improved the situation for everyone, giving time to inform people and put plans in place.
People with disabilities have been overlooked or were an afterthought with vaccination provision. Many are housebound, thus being unable to travel independently to access the vaccine. It was very pleasing to see sign language being used during television announcements of important details of changes to rules and expectations. Messages were sometimes confusing or complicated, making it difficult for people with intellectual disabilities to understand.
But there have been some positive developments for people with disabilities. Some have thrived on increased time with families. Those who could get internet access have been able to participate in society as never before, because physical and communication barriers disappeared when education, work, shopping and leisure activities were driven online. These sociotechnical advances prompted by this pandemic have revolutionised the quality of life and participation for some people living with disabilities.
As evidence evolves from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to think about how society, social inclusion and public health can better reach the 4.4 million Australians (18%) who have a disability.
Through all the post-recovery stages, people with disabilities need to be in the conversation and be consulted about their needs. They should be participating in policy development, program design and then the implementation of the outcomes, leading to a disability-inclusive response where neglect and discrimination no longer exist.
This response will require financial and other resources to be put in place to enable the outcomes to impact our ‘new’ society. There will be increased pressure on disability services and health systems. The principles of social justice should ensure equitable access and treatment, as well as the future economic recovery being inclusive of all Australians.
It would be a relief to know that people with disabilities are included in the emergency planning for future pandemic-related efforts, including strategies for appropriate guidance and support. We should not make the mistake of assuming that we can speak for them.
In the meantime, we should be ensuring that all written materials produced by government agencies and service providers be provided in all accessible formats, including EasyRead, Auslan and Braille. We should be establishing low-cost NBN packages for those who need access to the internet and smartphones for dissemination of information. We could be expanding access to essential support services and advancing digital skill development, two objectives necessary for a stronger and more equitable post-pandemic future for all.
Mary Pianta.
Disability Contact Coordinator, Diocese of Sandhurst.
