Charity reveals disabled people face being left behind in the coronavirus response
The coronavirus pandemic has supercharged inequalities already faced by Glasgow’s 150,000 disabled people, according to a charity.
Evidence gathered by the Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) over the past five weeks has revealed growing concerns around food inequality, isolation and digital inclusion caused by the outbreak.
Four in ten of the city’s disabled people said they were worried about access to food, medication and money, with many struggling to source basic essentials. The problem has been compounded by additional pressures on foodbanks and supermarket delivery services, with many respondents telling the charity they had been left short of food as a result.
Isolation, already twice as high amongst disabled people, was described as a “huge worry” for, with over 72% worrying about the mental and physical impacts of becoming acutely isolated.
Concerns were also raised about disabled people missing out on vital support through digital exclusion. Just 37% of respondents said they had home broadband or IT, and many said they lacked the skills or confidence to use it.
More than three-quarters (76%) of those surveyed said they were unaware of local support services as a result.
GDA chief executive Tressa Burke said: “Our survey and member engagement have reached thousands, and provide vital evidence of the actions needed to protect disabled people during and after Covid.
“Disabled people are harder hit by the pandemic not only because we may be at greater risk of severe illness – but, equally or more so, because existing inequalities and persistent barriers like isolation and digital exclusion make us even more vulnerable.
“On top of this, lifeline services are being removed and our very rights to life are on the line. It is more important than ever that we make sure disabled people’s voices are heard – and that the issues raised by the vast numbers we’ve spoken to are acted on in the response efforts.”
GDA is working with other agencies as well as local and national government to increase the range of support offered to disabled people during the crisis. The charity is also calling for “clear guidance” to ensure disabled people’s rights to life and health are protected, and that their voices are heard and valued by decision makers.
Ms Burke added: “There are ongoing lessons to be learned and swift actions needed, to make sure that disabled people aren’t left behind.”
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