Persons with Disabilities and Social Policy
摘要
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted the health and social economic wellbeing of persons with disabilities. The response measures excluded millions of people with disabilities. Prejudice and stigma increased because of lack of support towards the different categories of persons with disabilities. Their voices were missing in policy frameworks geared towards combating the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated barriers and inequalities at policy and social societal levels. Recalling the principles promulgated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (i.e., universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of human rights), and aware of the unique needs that disability presents during pandemics like this one, this chapter seeks to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the wellbeing of persons with disabilities and how inclusive the policies and response measures have been towards persons with disabilities. The chapter highlights recommendations for inclusive post COVID-19 recovery.