This brief describes barriers to and opportunities for telehealth for people with disabilities, as well as potential national and state policies to make telehealth more accessible, functional, and supportive beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
This article in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved discussed results from the National Survey on Health and Disability which asked a series of questions about the impacts of COVID-19 for disabled people including disruptions in PAS. The authors used data from an open-ended question “How did you manage without the help you needed in your home?” to bring light to both the importance of, and vulnerabilities associated with, receipt of PAS.
This article in the Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities examined online behaviors for adults with disabilities online engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic via analysis of data from a self-administered online survey by adults in the US with disabilities (N=409) on food access, school and work, health, and social activities. Online food access was common as 53.5% ordered groceries and 55.3% ordered meals. Of students, 96.0% attended class online. Of respondents who are currently working, 82.5% attended a meeting online.
The Practice Guidelines for Creating Rural Community Outreach Materials Related to COVID-19 and Disability were developed using feedback from rural disability stakeholder groups. The practice guidelines explain the health challenges of people with disabilities living in rural areas and provide a list of recommendations for rural outreach. The recommendations include guidance and examples related to Messaging, Personal Choice and Control, Universal Public Health Guidance and Practices, and Local Voices and Values.
Journal article from Families, Systems, and Health, examines changes in family caregiver roles during the pandemic, specifically those helping people with chronic conditions and disabilities to navigate healthcare needs. Caregivers reported whether they were helping “more,” “less,” or the “same” with ten health care activities (e.g., filling prescriptions, attending medical appointments) now, compared to before the coronavirus pandemic.
In this episode of the ADA Live! broadcast, presenters discuss the impact of post-COVID health on the workplace, employees, and employers – and its effect on our economic recovery. Guest: Sharon Rennert, Senior Attorney Advisor, in the Division of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (ADA/GINA), Office of Legal Counsel in the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
This journal article describes results of a survey of 439 adults with disabilities about their concerns of the COVID-19 disease, vaccines, and hesitancy toward vaccination to learn more about factors that influence vaccination hesitancy. Results indicate that concern about vaccines was the most significant predictor of hesitancy, even after considering demographic, economic, and geographic factors. The findings indicate that some individuals may be more hesitant because they are more concerned about vaccine safety than COVID-19 infection.
This Disability and Health journal article describes a study which sought to investigate the experiences of individuals self-directing during COVID-19. In particular, researchers used semi-structured interviews to explore the following areas: 1) How have individuals maintained access to HCBS and workers?; 2) How have individuals maintained safety against COVID-19?; and 3) How have individuals maintained their health and well-being?
This study published in the journal Disabilities examines the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with physical disabilities from marginalized communities in southeastern Michigan, one of the early pandemic epicenters in the United States. The study used semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 15 adults with moderate-to-severe disabilities. Three overarching themes emerged: fear, feelings of isolation, and a sense of being invisible. The article is available free in full text.
This full issue of Frontline Initiative is dedicated to stories by and for direct support professionals (DSPs) as they navigate longer hours, inadequate pay, grief stemming from the death of colleagues, and other fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Published in collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).