Immediate and long-term implications of the covid-19 pandemic for people with disabilities

Elizabeth Kendall*, Carolyn Ehrlich, Kelsey Chapman, Camila Shirota, Gary Allen, Andrew Gall, Joe Anne Kek-Pamenter, Kevin Cocks, Dinesh Palipana

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Some people with disabilities may have greater risk of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing worse outcomes if infected. Although COVID-19 is a genuine threat for people with disabilities, they also fear decisions that might limit lifesaving treatment should they contract the virus. During a pandemic, health systems must manage excess demand for treatment, and governments must enact heavy restrictions on their citizens to prevent transmission. Both actions can have a negative impact on people with disabilities. Ironically, the sociotechnical advances prompted by this pandemic could also revolutionize quality of life and participation for people with disabilities. Preparation for future disasters requires careful consideration. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 15, 2020: e1–e6. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.305890 )
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1774-1779
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health
Volume110
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2020
Externally publishedYes

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