The unseen impact : untold stories of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 - personal narratives from Bolivia, Niger, The Philippines, and Zambia

Abstract

This study offers a glimpse of the experiences of persons with disabilities during the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned across various global contexts. Through first-hand narratives, the research underscores the insufficiencies and exclusionary practices of social protection mechanisms and safety nets. However, it also showcases the supportive role played by Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs). The study reveals the complexities surrounding access to health services during the crisis, with health-centre-congestion and fear of infection exacerbating existing obstacles. Despite these challenges, the pandemic also opened opportunities for increased involvement of persons with disabilities in response activities, fostering closer familial relationships, and prompting the development of new skills and resources. Some individuals reported improved personal hygiene and nutritional habits as well. The article concludes with recommendations for enhancing the inclusivity of future crisis response strategies, underlining the importance of involving mainstream and civil society actors. It advocates also more generally for a more proactive approach to disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, particularly in the context of increasing climate-related disasters. The research findings and recommendations aim to influence policy and practice, promoting more inclusive preparedness for future crises.