COVID-19 is known to have had an impact on the mental health of the human population overall, and the disability community has been no exception. Already disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, studies suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges and sources of stress that could be especially detrimental to the mental health of people living with disabilities.
Risk of infection
Becoming infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been one of the primary concerns of most during the pandemic and, unfortunately, data have shown that people living with disabilities are more likely to contract the virus and lose their lives.
Some may have conditions that put them at higher risk of being infected or having more severe symptoms if infected. Those who live in group homes or rely on regular assistance from care providers may also be at higher risk of infection due to frequently coming in contact with care providers and being unable to practice social distancing.
Economic Insecurity
Many people have lost their jobs as a result of the recession caused by the pandemic, and low-wage earners have been both most likely to become unemployed and least likely to find new employment.
Already disproportionately likely to be facing economic insecurity, people with disabilities who have become unemployed during the pandemic have been at especially high risk of facing additional economic hardship. In addition to fewer jobs being available, hiring discrimination and increased competition can create even greater barriers to securing a stable income.
Disruptions to daily life
Some people with disabilities may rely on structured or predictable routines to maintain a sense of stability and well-being, and the disruptions caused by COVID-19 could create serious distress.
People living with disabilities were already more likely to be experiencing social isolation and the loneliness, reduced sense of belonging, and health implications that isolation can cause. Social isolation has been exasperated and becomes more widespread with the spread of COVID-19, creating the potential for more extreme repercussions for those who were already facing it.
Limited access to services
Some people living with disabilities may rely on various social services for access to things such as transportation, or they may need regular access to healthcare facilities.
Many public services were disrupted as a result of COVID-19, which could create a significant source of stress for those left without a reliable way to get around or access other daily necessities. The restrictions put in place in public spaces and the strain on the healthcare system have also created potential barriers for those who need to see healthcare providers regularly to maintain their health or those who may be at higher risk of facing medical emergencies or needing acute care.
How this shines a light on the importance of accessibility
In some cases—such as increased social isolation—the ways in which the pandemic has directly affected mental health in the disability community are clear, but it’s important to recognize that every risk and challenge created by the pandemic has the potential to exacerbate those effects. Even for people who can safely isolate, avoid contracting the virus and maintain a steady source of income, the stress caused by being aware of and worrying about these risks can have a significant impact on mental health.
People living with disabilities are already likely to face more barriers and challenges in everyday life under the best of circumstances. The conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic have widened the existing inequality gap in various ways—including through the impact on mental health—illuminating how critical it is to remove barriers and build a society that can support the well-being of the disability community under all circumstances, global crises included.
Learn more about accessibility
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