PWD: Support & Help: People With Disability Required Continuous Support
PWD: Support & Help: People With Disability Required Continuous Support
PWD: Support & Help: People With Disability Required Continuous Support
BACKGROUND OF ISSUE:
As per the latest Census 2011, out of the total 121 crore population, a total of 2.68 crore people or
2.21% of the total Indian population lives with a disability. The World Health Organisation estimates
that a whopping 15% of the world’s population lives with some kind of a disability.
1. The concept of social distancing which is fundamental in controlling the spread of Coronavirus
cannot be emulated by Persons with Disabilities. For example, many PwDs cannot perform even the
most basic activities (such as hand washing and personal hygiene) independently. Moreover, the
blind navigate their way through touch. Persons with Intellectual Disabilities are also highly
dependent on their caretakers and attendants.
2. Existing health issues such as diabetes, pulmonary illnesses, weak lower diaphragm functioning
etc. increase the chances of the disease.
3. The lockdown has disproportionately affected Persons with Disabilities in comparison to the non-
disabled population. For example, many Persons with Intellectual Disabilities require regular
therapy, without which their condition deteriorates. Access to medication has taken a huge blow,
with many not having enough medical supplies till the end of the lockdown. Groceries have been
hoarded by the non-disabled, leaving nothing for Persons with Disabilities living independently.
Special schools have been shut, leaving many children to take care of themselves independently.
4. The unavailability of passes has left many Persons with Disabilities stranded alone in their homes,
with no one to take care of them. In cases where caretakers and attendants have contracted the
virus, no substitutes are available for the disabled community.
5. Most of the content available on coronavirus is inaccessible to the deaf, resulting in many
uninformed.
8. Research has indicated that unemployment and poverty rates are higher among Persons with
Disabilities which has worsened their struggle in the time of the pandemic.
9. For thalassemia patients, there is an acute shortage of blood supply which is dangerous for their
condition.
10. Access to support systems has been cut which has a negative impact on PwDs.
11. Structure and routines can reduce anxiety for people with intellectual disabilities – but at a time
when structure and routine is quickly changing, this can have a big effect on emotional and mental
wellbeing.
12. Autistic people can often be very sensitive to changes in food tastes, textures, and smells caused
by sensory overload. As well as increasing anxiety, being unable to buy their usual foods because of
food shortages and not being able to shop in the usual supermarket at the usual time of day can lead
to a limited diet, as substitutes may be unacceptable.