GDA ‘Covid-Resilience’ interim findings show that disabled people are left behind.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis the team at Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) has been conducting outreach to understand the impact that COVID-19, and resulting measures, are having on disabled people. So far this has included:

• letters and surveys to 5000+ disabled people;
• wellbeing phone calls to 1550;
• in-depth survey completed by 1177; and
• peer support groups online discussions, with digital support from the GDA team.

Overall there are two key themes in their findings:

‘1. COVID-19 is supercharging inequalities already faced by disabled people.

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 it harder for us to stay safe and protect our families.

2. The COVID response risks leaving disabled people behind.

Adding to these risks, lifeline services are being removed and our very rights to life are on the line. It is more important than ever that 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. There are ongoing lessons to be learned and swift actions needed, to make sure that disabled people aren’t left behind.’

This research provides vital evidence on the experience of disabled people during this challenging period as well as the action needed. Alongside GDA and our members, SDSS call for leaders to recognise the specific challenges faced by disabled people.  Read the report in full here.