Research carried out by the BBC of over 3,300 deaf and disabled people shows the lasting impact of the pandemic on the disabled community.
From cancelled medical appointments to feeling forgotten, the figures make for devastating reading.
RESPONSES
Respondents to the research show that 2,604 people said their mental health had got worse; 2,427 said their disability had deteriorated; 241 people had not left the house and 683 people had seen their appointments either cancelled or they were unable to attend.
Additional responses also revealed that young autistic people had attempted suicide after no longer being able to cope with continuing changes and restrictions.
Families had also seen almost all care stop for their disabled loved one, with one respondent outgrowing her walking frame and not having a cochlear implant checked for two years – which should be retuned every few months.
As restrictions begin to ease and advise on shielding changing, many respondents revealed that they still do not feel safe to go outside for fear of contracting coronavirus.
Speaking to the BBC, 2,000 people had only left their houses on a number of occasions with 250 people who had not left their home since March 2020.
FAILED
The BBC’s findings show the current failings from the UK Government in supporting disabled people.
“Millions spent months shielding, having to battle for basic support like healthcare, supermarket deliveries, financial support and social care,” said James Taylor, executive director at disability equality charity Scope to the BBC.
“Horrifying reports of DNRs [do-not-resuscitate orders] being placed on people without their consent left many fearing they’d not get treatment if they caught the virus. The government must take bold action now to put disabled people at the heart of the recovery, and end the growing inequality.”
What more do you think needs to be done to better support the disabled community as we move out of the pandemic?
Share your thoughts with the Enable community online, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.