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The coronavirus pandemic has hit many individuals and families hard due to the extreme curtailments we have gone through on our freedoms and movements. Lockdowns are particularly difficult for the disabled as they often find that their movements and freedoms are even more limited. Disability is no longer a hindrance to many aspects of life such as relationships, jobs, and opportunities. However, Covid-19 has struck only to see the disabled hit harder than most. Take a look at what you need to be aware of when considering coronavirus and disabled people.

Vulnerable Categories

Even though we don’t like categorising individuals, the pandemic has made this necessary in the short term. Depending on the disability, individuals can find themselves in a vulnerable category. This means that they are more at risk of catching coronavirus or of having severe symptoms if they contract it. This can put huge pressure on their home lives and heighten anxieties. The lockdown has made many people remain in their own homes. Yet, shielding is another level of confinement. There may be no opportunity for exercise, social distancing cannot be considered even at two metres and feelings of isolation can quickly set in. Being vulnerable means a potential threat to the mental health of disabled people during this pandemic.

Relying On Others

Disabled people have come a long way in forging their own identities, where being disabled isn’t the major label attached to them. People don’t see the wheelchair, but a person with talents, dreams, and emotions like able-bodied individuals. However, coronavirus has made it necessary for those disabled people in vulnerable categories to rely on others for help. This might be to collect medicines, to pick up some shopping, or to take the dog for a walk. While motability vehicles can keep many disabled people out and about, others cannot run the risk of leaving self-isolation. This has meant that confidence can get knocked and self-esteem can dwindle. We need to ensure that disabled people have the support that they need but that we also empower them to remain in control of their own lives.

Staying Active

It’s not all doom and gloom for disabled individuals who are choosing to shield. Having more time on your hands can open up a whole new world of possibilities. Disabled people can have a go at cooking up some new gastronomic dishes. Sourdough starters have been a hit amongst millennials, so why not give one a go? Or perhaps you fancy some cake decorating sessions in your kitchen. Other people have chosen to learn a musical instrument, brush up on their language skills, or partake in a spot of online origami. The possibilities are endless. Consider what it is that you want to do, and have a go at learning a new skill. This occupies the mind and can release some of the anxiety that has built up because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The world changed quickly, and adapting to that new normal can be extra challenging for a disabled individual.