In the light of the COVID19 pandemic and its disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities, the International Disability Alliance (IDA) has compiled the following list of the main barriers that persons with disabilities face in this emergency situation along with some practical solutions and recommendations. This document is based on inputs received from IDA's members around the world aiming to assist global, regional, national and local advocacy to more efficiently address the range of risks persons with disabilities face.
The document calls attention to some of the heightened risks faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis, including the increased vulnerability to abandonment, isolation and institutionalization. The IDA notes that "no disability-based institutionalization and abandonment is acceptable," recommending that:
- Persons with disabilities should not be institutionalized as a consequence of quarantine procedures beyond the minimum necessary to overcome the sickness stage and on an equal basis with others.
- Any disruptions in social services should have the least impact possible on persons with disabilities and should not entail abandonment.
- Support family and social networks, in case of being quarantined, should be replaced by other networks or services.
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