COVID-19 has amplified disability inequalities

Responding to the ONS findings on the impact of the pandemic on disabled people in February 2021, Leonard Cheshire Director of Policy Gemma Hope said:

“Disabled people are clearly having a very different experience of the pandemic to non-disabled people. Less access to basics like medication and groceries and lower overall well-being is not some unavoidable consequence of a national crisis. It is a result of disability discrimination and the inequalities across society that have become amplified during this period. 

“As we come out of lockdown and move into a post-Covid recovery, the government have a chance to ensure our society truly levels up. This must include proper consultation with disabled people and changes so disabled people can participate in society equally alongside non-disabled people.

“At Leonard Cheshire, we continue to call for inclusive transport investment; right now almost half the train stations are not step-free. We also want to see the government target the structural, long-term barriers to employment for disabled people. Flexible working, not just remote working, and specialised support for disabled people and increased eligibility for programmes like Kickstart to help more people at risk of long-term unemployment is a good place to start.”

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For further information, interview requests and case studies, please contact Claire Farrell on claire.farrell@leonardcheshire.org.