What is the impact of COVID-19 on people with disability?

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The following information resources have been selected by the National Health Library and Knowledge Service Evidence Virtual Team in response to your question. The resources are listed in our estimated order of relevance to practicing healthcare professionals confronted with this scenario in an Irish context. In respect of the evolving global situation and rapidly changing evidence base, it is advised to use hyperlinked sources in this document to ensure that the information you are disseminating to the public or applying in clinical practice is the most current, valid and accurate. For further information on the methodology used in the compilation of this document – including a complete list of sources consulted – please see our National Health Library and Knowledge Service Summary of Evidence Protocol.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In A Nutshell

The WHO1, UN5 and EU Disability Forum4 document the impact of  COVID-19 on people with disability. Major considerations include:

  • Difficulty with basic hygiene: eg hand washing.
  • Limitations of the physical environment.
  • Challenges in implementing physical distancing due to the need for personal care.
  • Higher clinical risks due to co-existing health conditions.
  • Disruption to supports and services due to health protection measures.
  • Communication difficulties: eg lip-reading or use of sign language when wearing face masks.
  • Access to information in a variety of formats.
  • Financial difficulties.
  • Social stigma and isolation.

HSE guidance on COVID-19 in Nurse Led Residential Care services for people with Disabilities2 includes infection control practices, signs and symptoms, clinical investigations and information on the prevention of transmission. An NHS clinical guideline for staff supporting patients with a learning disability or autism3 includes statistics on increased morbidity and mortality and prevalence of co-existing conditions.

McCarron, reports on risks of COVID-19 for people with intellectual disability 50, 51. Inclusion Ireland7 describes impacts and reasons for increased risk, including co-morbidities, lower literacy levels, and high reliance on others for support and care. A BMJ letter53 notes a rise in requests to psychiatrists for psychotropic medication.

In a blog post, Hatton54 cites evidence that people with learning disability are more likely to have another health condition with a greater risk of a severe reaction to COVID-19. Sullivan66 also reports that intellectual disability and other health conditions increase the risk of developing a more severe infection. The Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health Australia6 policy on  COVID-19 includes concerns about accessibility of testing for people with intellectual disability and urges further support for clinicians to provide telehealth solutions.

The literature demonstrates widespread negative impacts of  COVID-19 on communication for people with disability. Fei and Hu10 speak about the outbreak in China and note that the Law on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases did not include a section on disability. The authors include experiences of people with disability. People with Disability Australia11, a group of ten disability organisations, published a joint response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

A number of writers speak about COVID-19 concerns in the D/deaf and hearing impaired community including:

  • Use of sign language in official health communication.
  • Availability of sign language interpreters at testing centres.
  • Use of clear signs and pictures or images.
  • PPE and face masks creating difficulties with lip-reading, acoustic transmission and the inability to see facial expressions when using sign language.

Use of transparent face masks has been widely discussed 8, 9, 15, 57, 73. The Critical Disabilities Studies Network Sweden13 points to limited access to sign language interpreters during official government briefings, and the Swedish DeafBlind association notes a lack of guidelines for those who use tactile communication in light of policies on physical distancing.

Challenges in hospital setting are addressed under Clinical issues below. Stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries are highlighted. Under Environmental issues, difficulties encountered by people with sensory and mobility disabilities are of special concern. Lakhani64 uses spatial analysis including key demographics to identify gaps in service for vulnerable groups, while Pineda76 suggests that lessons learned from the pandemic should be used to develop a more universally user-friendly urban landscape.

Older people are particularly vulnerable, with the burden of disability highest in this specific demographic69, 70, as reflected also in McCarron’s TCD/Tilda reports50, 51.

Charitable and voluntary organisations are a mainstay in delivering advocacy and supports for people with disabilities, with gaps being filled by freelance volunteers; however, their resources are coming under increasing pressure77.


IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL GUIDANCE

What does the World Health Organization say?

World Health Organisation (March 2020) Disability considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak[i]

 People with disability may be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 because of:

Depending on underlying health conditions, people with disability may be at greater risk of developing more severe cases of COVID-19 if they become infected. This may be because of:

People with disability may also be disproportionately impacted by the outbreak because of serious disruptions to the services they rely on. The barriers experienced by people with disability can be reduced if key stakeholders take appropriate action:

Health Service Executive Disability Services (2020) Guidance for COVID-19 in Nurse Led Residential Care Services for People with Disabilities. Version 1.1[ii]

Implementing infection prevention and control practice is extraordinarily difficult with service users who are unable to comply with requests from staff. In that setting the only practical approach is to apply the key principles of infection control as much as possible.

If an individual is unwilling/unable to comply with testing for COVID-19 and they are symptomatic, they should be managed as if they have confirmed case as described above.

A specific sub-group is being established to look at supports for those with behaviours that challenge and to make recommendations on how to ensure safety of the individual, staff and other service users.

NHS England (March 2020) Clinical guide for front line staff to support the management of patients with a learning disability, autism or both during the coronavirus pandemic[iii]

People with a learning disability have higher rates of morbidity and mortality than the general population and die prematurely. At least 41% of them die from respiratory conditions. They have a higher prevalence of asthma and diabetes, and of being obese or underweight in people; all these factors make them more vulnerable to coronavirus. There is evidence that people with autism also have higher rates of health problems throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and that this may result in elevated risk of early mortality.

European Disability Forum (19 March 2020) Updated statement: Open letter to leaders at the EU and in EU countries: COVID-19: Disability inclusive response[iv]

As the situation continues to develop, we at EDF are adding more measures to our open letter to leaders of the EU and EU countries. The full letter was published on 13 March.

Added Measures

United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (2020) COVID-19 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Guidance[v]

While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens all members of society, persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted due to attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers that are reproduced in the COVID-19 response. Many persons with disabilities have pre-existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to contracting the virus, experiencing more severe symptoms of infection, leading to elevated levels of death. During the COVID-19 crisis, persons with disabilities who are dependent on support for their daily living may find themselves isolated and unable to survive during lockdown measures, while those living ininstitutions are particularly vulnerable, as evidenced by the overwhelming numbers of deaths in residential care homes and psychiatric facilities. Barriers for persons with disabilities in accessing health services and information are intensified. Persons with disabilities also continue to face discrimination and other barriers in accessing livelihood and income support, participating in online forms of education and seeking protection from violence. Particular groups of persons with disabilities such as prisoners and those who are homeless or without adequate housing face even greater risks.

This guidance aims to:

Centre For Research Excellence in Disability and Health (2020)  COVID-19: policy action to protect people with disability in Australia[vi]

There is an urgent need for the disability and health sectors to develop a coordinated response that protects the health of over 4 million Australians with disability.

On 15 March we made recommendations to government for significant measures to protect people with disability and the disability support workforce in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our concerns are:


[i] World Health Organisation, (March 2020). Disability considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332015/WHO-2019-nCov-Disability-2020.1-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y [ Accessed 6th May 2020]

[ii] Disability Services, H. S. E. (2020). Guidance for COVID-19 in Nurse Led Residential Care Services for people with Disabilities [v1.1]. In: Health Service Executive. https://www.lenus.ie/handle/10147/627566 [ Accessed 8/5/ 2020]

[iii] NHS UK (March 2020) Clinical guide for front line staff to support the management of patients with a learning disability, autism or both during the coronavirus pandemic – relevant to all clinical specialities. V1. [Accessed 6th May 2020] https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/C0031_Specialty-guide_LD-and-coronavirus-v1_-24-March.pdf [Accessed 6/5 2020]

[iv] European Disability Forum: Updated statement: Open letter to leaders at the EU and in EU countries: COVID-19 – Disability inclusive response. 19 March 2020 http://www.edf-feph.org/newsroom/news/updated-statement-open-letter-leaders-eu-and-eu-countries-covid-19-disability [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[v] United Nations Office of Human Rights Commissioner: COVID-19 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 29th April 2020 https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Disability/COVID-19_and_The_Rights_of_Persons_with_Disabilities.pdf [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[vi] CRE-DH (Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health)  COVID-19: policy action to protect people with disability in Australia

https://credh.org.au/news-events/disability-and-health-sectors-need-a-coordinated-response-during-covid-19/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE

Communication

Inclusion Ireland (2020) COVID-19 and Intellectual Disability: Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Families[i]

COVID-19 and Intellectual Disability

People with intellectual disabilities and their families need to be supported to access the healthcare services and public health information that they need in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. People with intellectual disabilities may be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Many are in a high-risk category as they may suffer from several health conditions, have low levels of literacy, and rely on others for support and care.

Other reasons people with intellectual disability are at higher risk include:

Armitage and Nellums LB (2020) [Correspondence] The COVID-19 response must be disability inclusive[ii]

Equal access to public health messaging: all communication should be disseminated in plain language and across accessible formats through mass and digital media channels. Additionally, strategies for vital in-person communication must be safe and accessible such as sign language interpreters and wearing of transparent masks by health-care providers to allow lip reading. Second, measures such as physical distancing or self-isolation might disrupt service provision for people living with disability who often rely on assistance for delivery of food, medication, and personal care. Mitigation strategies should not lead to the segregation or institutionalisation of these individuals.

Grote and Izagaran (2020) In the push for universal mask wearing, the communication needs of D/deaf healthcare workers and patients are being forgotten[iii]

This article was written by two D/deaf doctors who depend on lip reading for their everyday work.

“We, as a society and as a body of healthcare professionals, need to ensure that in our response to COVID-19, the rights of those with hearing loss are not forgotten.

“We would encourage all healthcare professionals to carefully consider the communication needs of their D/deaf patients. Apps, such as Google’s Live Transcribe may help to decipher speech from behind a mask in quiet settings. Clear signs and pictures can also assist with communication; resources such as Cardmedic  a digital package of communication flashcards  can be helpful in some instances. However, written notes are not always an effective means of communication for those whose first language is British Sign Language, as the grammatical structure is entirely different.

“The lack of support in this area has been one of the hardest challenges we have faced at work during the coronavirus pandemic. It leaves us and our D/deaf patients feeling isolated and ignored. Reading articles and tweets about the importance of masks, with no consideration of the impact on the D/deaf, leads us to conclude that policymakers and academics have seemingly forgotten about the importance of equality impact assessments in this area.”

The authors also mention the importance of transparent masks.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, China had to declare a public health emergency within a short time. In order to control and prevent further spread of the disease, China activated the highest emergency response based on the Law on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (LPTID). However, the LPTID lacks a disability perspective and to a large extent overlooks the needs of people with disabilities during emergencies. 

People with Disability Australia (2020) Immediate Proactive Response To Coronavirus (COVID-19) For Australians With Disability[iv]

Immediate Welfare of People with Disability

Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health (2020) COVID-19: policy action to protect people with disability in Australia[v]

There is an urgent need for the disability and health sectors to develop a coordinated response that protects the health of over 4 million Australians with disability.

On 15 March we made recommendations to government for significant measures to protect people with disability and the disability support workforce in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our concerns are: the lack of accessible testing and health care services; and no plan for people with intellectual and development disabilities. The lack of support for clinicians providing services to people with disability to upscale their telehealth activities to enable high-level health care for people with disability.

Section: Recommendations for Healthcare and People with Disability

Section: Recommendations for the Disability Workforce

KritFunk Critical Disability Studies Network Sweden (2020)

The impact of COVID-19 on disabled citizens in Sweden[vi]

Section: Communication

Many disabled citizens in Sweden face difficulties using the Internet due to the inaccessible design of devices, platforms and content. Social distancing practices have increased dependency on online communication, for important information, goods and services. Limited access to digital resources poses a major risk to the safety of many citizens with communication-related impairments.

The government and responsible agencies have held daily press conferences informing the public about current developments, but for 33 days there was no information in Swedish Sign Language (STS) available from the national authorities, something highlighted by the Swedish National Deaf Association (SDR). Information in easy-to-read Swedish was also missing. Furthermore, the Association of the Swedish DeafBlind (FSDB) pointed out a failure to develop guidelines for handling the demands of social distancing for people using tactile communication.

Castro et al (2020) [Correspondence] COVID-19: don’t forget deaf people[vii]

The authors found 15 or more different [sign language] signs are currently being used to describe the coronavirus in countries affected by the pandemic. Brazil alone uses at least 3. Some of these signs are based on unscientific variants that might for example evoke fear of an animal bite. Even providing written information is unreliable because of the different levels of understanding of Portuguese deaf citizens’ second language among communities.

Lefrak (2020) [Blog] New Coronavirus Safety Measures Pose Challenges For The Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing[viii]

One of the most well-documented pandemic challenges is communicating through face-obscuring masks. The masks make it impossible for people who read lips to see people’s mouths or follow facial expressions during essential trips to the grocery store or doctor’s office. Facial expressions such as nose crinkles and mouth movements are also components of American Sign Language.

Cradden (2020) [Newspaper Article] Coronavirus highlights continuing marginalisation of deaf community[ix]

Lianne Quigley, Chairperson of the Irish Deaf Society, says that for thousands of Irish Sign Language users, there is simply not enough key COVID-19 information being provided in their native language  now officially recognised as a language through the 2017 Irish Sign Act. The failure to do so is in clear breach of Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which says that member states must provide equal access to information to enable them to participate fully in all aspects of life.

“Brendan Lennon, Head of Advocacy at CHIME, a national charity for deafness and hearing loss, says that TV ads are not even subtitled, further undermining the government’s policy commitments in the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. “All of this has certainly resulted in some deaf and hard of hearing people not getting full information, leading to a level of misunderstanding and misinformation.”

Clinical Issues

Disability Federation of Ireland (2020): Frequently Asked Questions[x]

DFI address a range of concerns in this document. They recognise the impact of closure of services on vulnerable populations. They also note that some people with disabilities may need to be accompanied if they require hospitalisation or a hospital visit, and recommend that they update and keep available their health passport.

HSE (2020) COVID-19 HSE Clinical Guidance and Evidence. Consensus Statement of Neurological Care during [the] COVID-19 Crisis[xi]

This consensus statement by Irish neurologists provides guidance and recommendations in respect of the neurological care of patients including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, stroke and Parkinsons Disease.The statement emphasises the need to retain services for certain neurological conditions.

Stroke

Several papers report concerns about delays in seeking help when experiencing stroke symptoms.

World Stroke Organisation (2020) The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Stroke: Survey Report from Prof. Marc Fischer, WSO President-Elect[xii]

In many countries, the volume of stroke/TIA admissions has decreased substantially. In a recent survey of large hospitals in China, stroke admissions declined by 40% in February 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Acute treatment was impacted as evidenced by an approximately 25% decline in the administration of IV thrombolysis and the performance of mechanical thrombectomy.

AHA/ASA Stroke Council (2020) Temporary Emergency Guidance to US Stroke Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic On Behalf of the AHA/ASA Stroke Council Leadership[xiii]

AHA/ASA Stroke Council ask that all participating stroke centers contribute their data to a central database vigilantly to document any decrement in stroke volume. The Council also encourages stroke leaders and advocates to work with local media and public marketing to encourage patients to continue seeking emergency care if experiencing acute stroke symptoms. This guidance notes that emergency response to Code Stroke may be affected by both lack of PPE equipment and of trained staff in Emergency Department and inpatient units. Full adherence may be challenging, but the Council recommended that required treatment should be offered to the greatest extent possible.

See also:

Markus, (2020) COVID-19 and Stroke: A Global World Stroke Organization Perspective[xiv]

Zhao, (2020) Challenges and Potential Solutions of Stroke Care During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak[xv]

Derraz, (2020) Stroke Health Care Use and COVID-19[xvi]

Meyer (2020) A Stroke Care Model at an Academic, Comprehensive Stroke Center During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic[xvii]

In this new clinical pathway, recommendations include telestroke assessments as a specific option for all inpatient and outpatient encounters and accounts when telemedicine systems are not available or functional; and the complete conversion of daily inpatient stroke rounds on hospitalized stroke patients to virtual rounds. This adapted stroke code model maintains the rapid care required in acute stroke care to reduce treatment delays.

Royal College of Physicians (2020) Clinical guide for the management of stroke patients during the coronavirus pandemic[xviii]

NHS guidelines for stroke care also recommends incorporating telehealth. Many stroke specialists will have dual or triple accreditation in general medicine and/or geriatrics and may be released to work on the frontline. An overview of rehabilitation pathways is also included.

Prvu Bettger (2020) COVID-19: maintaining essential rehabilitation services across the care continuum[xix]

The need for, and the effect on rehabilitation facilities are highlighted. They also advocate for the removal of any barriers to remote/telerehabilitation.

Negrini (2020) Up to 2.2 Million People Experiencing Disability Suffer Collateral Damage Each Day of COVID-19 Lockdown in Europe80

35 countries responded to a 9-question survey on the impact of COVID-19 on people experiencing disability in Europe. Cessation of admissions to rehabilitation, early discharge and reduction of activities involved 194,800 inpatients in 10 countries. Outpatient activities stopped for 87%, involving 318,000 patients per day in Italy, Belgium and the UK, leading to an estimate range of 1.3 to 2.2 million people in Europe. 7 countries reported negative experiences on rehabilitation services for acute COVID-19 patients.

Baracchini (2020) Acute stroke management pathway during Coronavirus-19 pandemic[xx]

In addition to creating a dedicated hotspot as a pre-triage just outside the Emergency Department, together with the Neuroradiology Unit we obtained a mobile CT unit that could be used by COVID-positive or COVID-suspected patients. Throughout this suggested pathway, the stroke team is responsible for the stroke care of the patient.

See also:

Leira (2020) Preserving stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic: potential issues and solutions[xxi]


[i] Inclusion Ireland: COVID-19 and Intellectual Disability Supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families April 2020 http://www.inclusionireland.ie/sites/default/files/attach/basic-page/1655/covid-19-disablity-policy-document-final.pdf [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[ii] Armitage R, Nellums LB. The COVID-19 response must be disability inclusive. Correspondence [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 27]. Lancet Public Health. 2020;S2468-2667(20)30076-1. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30076-1 https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanpub/PIIS2468-2667(20)30076-1.pdf [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[iii] Grote, H & Izagaran, F (2020) In the push for universal mask wearing, the communication needs of D/deaf healthcare workers and patients are being forgotten. BMJ, [Accessed 7th May 2020 ] https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/05/07/push-universal-mask-wearing-communication-needs-deaf-forgotten/

[iv]People with Disability Australia. Immediate Proactive Response To Coronavirus (COVID-19) For Australians With Disability https://pwd.org.au/covid-19-plan/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[v] CRE-DH (Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health)  COVID-19: policy action to protect people with disability in Australia

https://credh.org.au/news-events/disability-and-health-sectors-need-a-coordinated-response-during-covid-19/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[vi] KritFunk – Critical Disability Studies Network Sweden: The impact of COVID-19 on disabled citizens in Sweden http://ihuman.group.shef.ac.uk/disabled-citizens-in-sweden/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[vii] Castro HC, Lins Ramos AS, Amorim G, Ratcliffe NA. COVID-19: don’t forget deaf people. Nature. 2020;579(7799):343. doi:10.1038/d41586-020-00782-2            https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00782-2 [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[viii] Lefrak M. (2020) New Coronavirus Safety Measures Pose Challenges For The Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing NPR April 29, 2020 https://www.npr.org/2020/04/29/847925057/new-coronavirus-safety-measures-pose-challenges-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[ix] Cradden J. Coronavirus highlights continuing marginalisation of deaf community April 9th 2020 Irish Times

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/coronavirus-highlights-continuing-marginalisation-of-deaf-community-1.4213870 [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[x] Disability Federation of Ireland: FAQs on  COVID-19 25th March 2020 https://www.disability-federation.ie/covid-19/faqs/ [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xi] National Health Library & Knowledge Service, HSE (2020).  COVID-19 HSE Clinical Guidance and Evidence. Consensus Statement of Neurological Care during Covid19 Crisis (CD19-027. V2/27_03_2020) https://hli.ie/Covid19V2/neurology [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[xii] World Stroke Organisation: The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Stroke – Survey Report from Prof. Marc Fischer, WSO President-Elect. 4th May 2020 https://www.world-stroke.org/news-and-blog/news/the-global-impact-of-covid-19-on-stroke-survey [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xiii] Temporary Emergency Guidance to US Stroke Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 1]. Stroke. 2020;10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.030023. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.030023 https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.030023 [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[xiv] Markus, H. S., & Brainin, M. (2020). COVID-19 and stroke-A global World Stroke Organization perspective. Int J Stroke, 1747493020923472. doi:10.1177/1747493020923472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310017/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xv] Zhao J., Rudd A., Liu R., (2020) Challenges and Potential Solutions of Stroke Care During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) OutbreakStroke. 1:1356–1357. Originally published 31 Mar 2020 https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.029701 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xvi] Derraz I. Stroke Health Care Use and COVID-19 [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 7]. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2020;10.3174/ajnr.A6563. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A6563 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32381538/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xvii] Meyer D, Meyer BC, Rapp KS, et al. A Stroke Care Model at an Academic, Comprehensive Stroke Center During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 8]. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2020;104927. doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104927 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205687/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xviii] Royal College of Physicians: Clinical guide for the management of stroke

patients during the coronavirus pandemic 23 March 2020 Version 1 Updated 16 April https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/04/C0033-_Specialty-guide_-Stroke-and-coronavirus-V1-update_16-April-003.pdf [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xix] Prvu Bettger J, Thoumi A, Marquevich V, et al. COVID-19: maintaining essential rehabilitation services across the care continuum. BMJ Glob Health. 2020;5(5):e002670. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002670 https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/5/e002670 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xx] Baracchini C, Pieroni A, Viaro F, et al. Acute stroke management pathway during Coronavirus-19 pandemic. Neurol Sci. 2020;41(5):1003‐1005. doi:10.1007/s10072-020-04375-9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7141930/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxi] Leira EC, Russman AN, Biller J, et al. Preserving stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Potential issues and solutions [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 8]. Neurology. 2020;10.1212/WNL.0000000000009713. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009713 https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2020/05/07/WNL.0000000000009713.long [Accessed 6/5/2020]

Multiple Sclerosis

Bonavita (2020) Digital triage for people with multiple sclerosis in the age of COVID-19 pandemic[i]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, neurologists involved in the care of people with multiple sclerosis [pwMS] face a particular challenge since many of these patients: 1. are on an immunotherapy; or 2. belong  due to their disability and/or comorbidities  to the vulnerable proportion of the population, or both. While careful surveillance is required of pwMS who belong to these categories, they should be kept away from the hospital or outpatient clinics to minimise their risk of COVID-19 infection. A digital triage tool is described.

Willis (2020) Multiple sclerosis and the risk of infection: considerations in the threat of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2[ii]

In this study, exposure to a second generation disease modifying therapy (DMT) was associated with an increase in the risk of infection, particularly with regard to natalizumab. First generation DMTs were not associated with an increased risk. Of note, IFN-β was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia which the authors speculate could be due to its anti-viral effect. The reason for the increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections with second generation DMTs and in particular natalizumab is unknown. It is acknowledged that the relatively small number of patients taking second generation DMTs may have limited the detection of differences.

Mansoor (2020) COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of infection in multiple sclerosis patients on disease modifying therapies: “what the bleep do we know?”[iii]

Multiple sclerosis patients who are on disease modifying therapies (DMTs) might be at a higher risk of acquiring a poorer outcome due to their immune status. This review looks at the available evidence in managing this global crisis.

Giovannoni (2020) The COVID-19 pandemic and the use of MS disease-modifying therapies[iv]

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection: Withhold any first or second-line DMT until clinical resolution and/or approval to continue treatment by an infectious disease specialist. Note: given the potential antiviral activity of beta-interferons, the decision to continue this treatment rests with the treating neurologist.

If the public health measures being taken flatten the peak of the epidemic, but extend its tail, the problem of community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 may be with us for many months and potentially years. Are the SIN guidelines compatible with the best interests of our patients or a knee-jerk response to an undefined problem that may not be a problem at all?

The authors provide a table assessing the potential risks associated with different DMTs.

Brownlee (2020) Treating multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic[v]

In this commentary we highlight the implications of COVID-19 for people with MS and related disorders, including the risk of respiratory infections, general health advice, and recommendations from consensus-based guidelines for immunotherapies, relapse management and service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naser Moghadasi (2020) One Aspect of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Outbreak in Iran: High Anxiety among MS Patients[vi]

This paper highlights the potential for increased anxiety to exacerbate the severity of the disease in MS patients. It is well-acknowledged that anxiety is one of the leading causes of attacks among the MS patients and can also exacerbate this disease.

Novi (2020) COVID-19 in a MS patient treated with ocrelizumab: does immunosuppression have a protective role?[vii]

This single case report looks at the possible protective role of immunosuppression.

Sormani (2020) An Italian programme for COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis[viii]

In this pilot phase of an investigation of COVID-19 among people with multiple sclerosis, the authors investigate whether immunosuppressive therapies, the mainstay of treatment for multiple sclerosis, might confer additional risks or  on the contrary  protection.

Two clinical trials are currently underway investigating MS and COVID-19:

The United Kingdom Multiple Sclerosis Register COVID-19 Substudy (UKMSRCV19)[ix]

The aim of the study is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on people with Multiple Sclerosis in the United Kingdom.

Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 in Patients With MS or NMO (COVISEP)[x]

The purpose of this study is to collect French medical data for patients with Multiple Sclerosis or NeuroMyelitis Optica spectrum disorder who are diagnosed or strongly suspected of being infected with COVID-19.

Several papers consider a possible link between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre Syndrome:

Scheidl (2020) Guillain-Barre syndrome during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a case report and review of recent literature[xi]

“Our case draws attention to the occurrence of GBS also in patients with COVID‐19 who did not experience respiratory or general symptoms. It emphasizes that SARS‐CoV‐2 induces immunological processes, regardless [of] the lack of prodromic symptoms. However, it is possible that there is a connection between the severity of the respiratory syndrome and further neurological consequences.”

See also:

Zhao, (2020) Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: causality or coincidence?[xii]

Toscano (2020) Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with SARS-CoV-2[xiii]

Virani (2020) Guillain-Barré Syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection[xiv]

Coen (2020) Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a Complication of SARS-CoV-2 Infection[xv]

Marta-Enguita (2020) Fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome after infection with SARS-CoV-2[xvi]

Spinal injury

Palipana (2020) COVID-19 and spinal cord injuries: the viewpoint from an emergency department resident with quadriplegia[xvii]

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) present distinct physiological and social considerations for the emergency physician. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these considerations may generate unique challenges for emergency physicians managing patients with SCIs. Physiological disruptions may alter the way SCI patients present with COVID‐19. The same disruptions can affect management of this vulnerable patient group, perhaps warranting early aggressive treatment.

Gil-Agudo (2020) Clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a cohort of patients with disability due to spinal cord injury[xviii]

A cohort analysis of seven patients with SCI infected by  COVID-19. (non peer-reviewed, Pre-Print).

Stillman (2020) COVID-19 and spinal cord injury and disease: results of an international survey[xix]

This survey of the international spinal cord medicine community showed substantial variability in COVID-19 screening practices and availability of screening kits. People living with SCI/D are expressing legitimate and real concerns about their vulnerability to COVID-19. Concerns included vulnerability to infection (76.9%) and fragility of caretaker supply (42%).

Spinal Injuries Ireland (2020) Important notice – coronavirus[xx]

SI Ireland cancelled all face-to-face meetings with patients: “This means that our outreach team will not meet service users in person, nor meet in their homes, hospital settings, at regional meetings [or] at training programmes.”

Muscular Dystrophies

Veerapandiyan (2020) The care of patients with Duchenne, Becker, and other muscular dystrophies in the COVID- 19 pandemic[xxi]

We address issues surrounding corticosteroid and exon skipping treatments, cardiac medications, hydroxychloroquine use, emergency/respiratory care, rehabilitation management and the conduct of clinical trials. We highlight the importance of collaborative treatment decisions between the patient, family and health care provider, considering any geographic or institution specific policies and precautions for COVID-19. We advocate for continuing multidisciplinary care for these patients using telehealth.

Intellectual Disability

Trinity College Dublin (2020) [News Article] People with an intellectual disability vulnerable to adverse outcomes of COVID-19 warns Trinity expert[xxii]

Facts and Health risks for people with an intellectual disability: 

Trinity College Dublin (2020) Timely and appropriate COVID-19 care urgent for people with an intellectual disability[xxiii]

Older people with ID have smaller social networks and fewer social supports than the general population. Disruption to their routines and contacts due to COVID-19 places them at greater risk for social isolation and loneliness, potentially leading to poorer mental health outcomes. For those living at home with an ageing parent, themselves among the highest COVID-19 risk groups, Professor McCarron said: “There is a real worry about what might happen if someone in the house becomes ill. And that’s why it is so important to put support in place so that health services can act quickly and appropriately to increase the chances of full recovery.”

Courtenay (2020) COVID-19: challenges for people with intellectual disability[xxiv]

The letter discusses the fact that people with intellectual disability are vulnerable to COVID-19 as they depend on support in their everyday lives. He also mentions the challenge being faced by people with intellectual disability and their carers, including access to information, infection control, reduction of support due to physical distancing public health measures. Psychiatrists working with people with intellectual disability are seeing a rise in requests for psychotropic medication to support people and to assist families and carers manage behaviours that are challenging to them. Self-isolating or shielding a person with intellectual disability for 12 weeks is an immense challenge for families and services, especially when such support might contravene a person’s human rights and liberty.

Hatton (2020) [Blog] Potential risk factors for the impact of COVID-19 on health: people with learning disabilities[xxv]

In his blog, Chris Hatton highlights increased comorbidities especially in people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Important concerns for these people include tube feeding and higher rates of epilepsy.

Reilly (2020) A complex challenge: Disability services respond to  COVID-19[xxvi]

Citing Mark O’Connor, Community Engagement Officer at Inclusion Ireland, highlights the worry and disruption to routine involved when a person with intellectual disability has to go to hospital.

Down Syndrome

Reilly (2020) A Complex Challenge: Disability Services Respond to  COVID-19[xxvii]

It is not yet known if people with Down syndrome are significantly more vulnerable to contracting  COVID-19. However, they are vulnerable to other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to Down Syndrome Ireland. 

“We do know that they may be less able to tell us when they are sick, and that they may not show typical symptoms. People with Down syndrome may have abnormal temperature regulation and may also experience difficulty recognising and communicating that they are unwell.”

Sensory Disabilities

Trecca (2020) ) [Letter] COVID-19 and hearing difficulties[xxviii]

Key issues for people with hearing loss are postponement of treatment; communication difficulties associated with face masks; and discomfort in patients wearing hearing devices with face masks.

Pattisapu (2020) Defining Essential Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic[xxix]

Health care providers must determine what procedures are considered elective, balancing risk of treatment delays with that of coronavirus exposure to the patient, family and providers. Cognizant of critical periods for language development and the long-term impact of auditory deprivation, some audiologic and otologic services should be considered essential.

West (2020) Providing health care to patients with hearing loss during COVID-19 and physical distancing[xxx]

Provides recommendations on treating patients with hearing loss, including the use of technology such as speech-to-text software.

Armitage (2020) The COVID-19 response must be disability inclusive[xxxi]

The authors propose the use of transparent face masks to permit lip-reading.

Residential Care

Health Service Executive Disability Services (2020) Guidance for COVID-19 in Nurse Led Residential Care Services for People with Disabilities[xxxii]

This document provides in-depth guidance for nurses in a residential care setting, including recommendations on visitors. The document also states:

Tseng (2020) The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Disabled and Hospice Home Care Patients[xxxiii]

When performing invasive treatments such as the replacement of tracheostomy or nasogastric tubes, we recommend wearing a face mask and a protective gown to avoid being splattered by secretions.

Environmental Issues

Lakhani (2020) Which Melbourne Metropolitan Areas Are Vulnerable to COVID-19 Based on Age, Disability, and Access to Health Services? Using Spatial Analysis to Identify Service Gaps and Inform Delivery[xxxiv]

Spatial analysis was used to identify and address gaps in service.

Health Protection Surveillance Centre (2020) Education programme: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Home visits[xxxv]

This document provides guidance for support staff and carers when visiting a client’s home.

Sullivan (2020) COVID-19: Guidance for Prevention and Care, a guide for care providers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities[xxxvi]

Among other recommendations, the authors suggest that modifications may be needed for people with IDD for physical or social distancing, especially in residential settings.

Jalali (2020) COVID-19 and disabled people: perspectives from Iran[xxxvii]

This report highlights the closure of services. Day care and nursing care centres administered by the Iranian government, NGOs and the private sector are crucial sources of care for people with disabilities after their families. Since the coronavirus pandemic, many of these facilities have reduced their activity in terms of personnel or working hours or even completely closed.

Qi (2020) Including people with disability in the COVID-19 outbreak emergency preparedness and response in China[xxxviii]

Many service providers that were specifically targeted for people with disabilities have been closed. LPTID [Law on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases] lacks provision of alternatives for people with disabilities during such events. With limited accessible transportation, it is predictable that people with disabilities have a lower chance of obtaining assistance from their community or friends.

Older People

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Disability (2016) Ageing and Disability[xxxix]

Currently, it is estimated that 15% of the population worldwide or some 1 billion individuals live with one or more disabling conditions. More than 46 per cent of older persons  those aged 60 years and over  have disabilities and more than 250 million older people experience moderate to severe disability.

National Disability Authority (2006) Ageing & Disability: A Discussion Paper[xl]

The 2002 Census in Ireland showed 136,000 people with disabilities over the age of 65. This represents 42% of the disabled population and more than one-third of people over 65. The population aged 65 and over in Ireland could increase from its present level of 436,000 to about 1 million in the next thirty years. The population aged eighty years and over is projected to increase three-fold in the same period, to over 300,000.”


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[viii] Sormani MP; Italian Study Group on COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis. An Italian programme for COVID-19 infection in multiple sclerosis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 30]. Lancet Neurol. 2020;S1474-4422(20)30147-2. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30147-2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7191287/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[ix] The United Kingdom Multiple Sclerosis Register  COVID-19 Substudy (UKMSRCV19). NCT04354519 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04354519 [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[x] Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 in Patients With MS or NMO (COVISEP). NCT04355611 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04355611 [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xi] Scheidl, E., Canseco, D.D., Hadji‐Naumov, A. and Bereznai, B. (2020), Guillain‐Barre syndrome during SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: a case report and review of recent literature. J Peripher Nerv Syst. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1111/jns.12382 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jns.12382 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xii] Zhao H, Shen D, Zhou H, Liu J, Chen S. Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: causality or coincidence?. Lancet Neurol. 2020;19(5):383‐384. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30109-5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176927/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xiii] Toscano G, Palmerini F, Ravaglia S, et al. Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated with SARS-CoV-2 [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 17]. N Engl J Med. 2020;NEJMc2009191. doi:10.1056/NEJMc2009191 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7182017/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xiv] Virani A, Rabold E, Hanson T, et al. Guillain-Barré Syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. IDCases. 2020;20:e00771. Published 2020 Apr 18. doi:10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00771 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7165113/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xv] Coen M, Jeanson G, Alejandro Culebras Almeida L, et al. Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a Complication of SARS-CoV-2 Infection [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 28]. Brain Behav Immun. 2020;S0889-1591(20)30698-X. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.074 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7194931/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xvi] Marta-Enguita J, Rubio-Baines I, Gastón-Zubimendi I. Fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome after infection with SARS-CoV-2 [Síndrome de Guillain-Barré fatal tras infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2] [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 8]. 2020;doi:10.1016/j.nrleng.2020.04.004 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205695/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xvii] Palipana D. (2020) COVID‐19 and spinal cord injuries: The viewpoint from an emergency department resident with quadriplegia https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1742-6723.13525

 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xviii] Gil-Agudo A. Rodriguez-Cola M. Jimenez-Velasco I. Gutierrez-Henares F., et al Clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a cohort of patients with disability due to spinal cord injury

medRxiv 2020.04.20.20072918; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.20.20072918 PrePrint, [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[xix] Stillman, M. D., Capron, M., Alexander, M., Di Giusto, M. L., & Scivoletto, G. (2020). COVID-19 and spinal cord injury and disease: results of an international survey. Spinal cord series and cases6(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-0275-8 [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[xx] Spinal Injuries Ireland: Important Notice: Coronavirus (short post) https://spinalinjuries.ie/important-notice-coronavirus/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xxi] Veerapandiyan A, Wagner KR, Apkon S, et al. The care of patients with Duchenne, Becker, and other muscular dystrophies in the COVID-19 pandemic [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 24]. Muscle Nerve. 2020;10.1002/mus.26902. doi:10.1002/mus.26902 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mus.26902 [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[xxii] McCarron, M (2020) People with an intellectual disability vulnerable to adverse outcomes of COVID-19 warns Trinity expert, TCD News and Events, 24 March 2020, https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/people-with-an-intellectual-disability-vulnerable-to-adverse-outcomes-of-covid-19-warns-trinity-expert/ [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xxiii] McCarron, M (2020) Timely and appropriate COVID-19 care urgent for people with an intellectual disability, TCD News and Events, 21 April 2020. https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/timely-and-appropriate-covid-19-care-urgent-for-people-with-an-intellectual-disability/ [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xxiv] Courtenay K.  COVID-19: challenges for people with intellectual disability. BMJ. 2020;369:m1609. Published 2020 Apr 29. doi:10.1136/bmj.m1609 https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1609.long [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xxv] Hatton C. Potential risk factors for the impact of COVID-19 on health: People with learning disabilities. Blog Post. 28th March 2020 https://chrishatton.blogspot.com/2020/03/potential-risk-factors-for-impact-of.html [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxvi] Reilly C. A complex challenge: Disability services respond to  COVID-19. Newspaper Article Medical Independent. 9th April 2020. https://www.medicalindependent.ie/a-complex-challenge-disability-services-respond-to-covid-19/ [Accessed 6/4/2020]

[xxvii] Reilly C. A complex challenge: Disability services respond to  COVID-19. Newspaper Article Medical Independent. 9th April 2020. https://www.medicalindependent.ie/a-complex-challenge-disability-services-respond-to-covid-19/ [Accessed 6/4/2020]

[xxviii] Trecca EMC, Gelardi M, Cassano M. COVID-19 and hearing difficulties [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 19]. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020;102496. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102496 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7166300/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxix] Pattisapu, P., Evans, S. S., Noble, A. R., Norton, S. J., Ou, H. C., Sie, K. C. Y., & Horn, D. L. (2020). Defining Essential Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599820925058 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0194599820925058#articleCitationDownloadContainer [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxx] West, JS, Franck, KH, Welling, DB. Providing health care to patients with hearing loss during COVID‐19 and physical distancing. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2020; 1– 3. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.382 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lio2.382 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxxi] Armitage R, Nellums LB. The COVID-19 response must be disability inclusive. Correspondence [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 27]. Lancet Public Health. 2020;S2468-2667(20)30076-1. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30076-1 https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanpub/PIIS2468-2667(20)30076-1.pdf [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxxii] Disability Services, H. S. E. (2020). Guidance for COVID-19 in Nurse Led Residential Care Services for people with Disabilities [v1.1]. In: Health Service Executive. https://www.lenus.ie/handle/10147/627566

[ Accessed 8/5/ 2020]

[xxxiii] Tseng, T. G., Wu, H. L., Ku, H. C., & Tai, C. J. (2020). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Disabled and Hospice Home Care Patients. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, glaa081. Advance online publication. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7184350/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[xxxiv] Lakhani A. (2020). Which Melbourne Metropolitan Areas Are Vulnerable to COVID-19 Based on Age, Disability, and Access to Health Services? Using Spatial Analysis to Identify Service Gaps and Inform Delivery. Journal of pain and symptom management, S0885-3924(20)30194-9. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.03.041 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxxv] Health Protection Surveillance Centre (2020). Education programme: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Home visitshttp://hdl.handle.net/10147/627589 [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[xxxvi] Sullivan W. F., (2020) COVID-19: Guidance for Prevention and Care, is a guide for care providers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. March 31, 2020, Surrey Place, Toronto. Canada

https://www.surreyplace.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Guidance-for-Prevention-and-Care_2020Mar31.pdf [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxxvii] Maryam Jalali, Saeed Shahabi, Kamran Bagheri Lankarani, Mohammad Kamali & Parviz Mojgani (2020) COVID-19 and disabled people: perspectives from Iran, Disability & Society, DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2020.1754165 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/citedby/10.1080/09687599.2020.1754165?scroll=top&needAccess=true [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxxviii] Fei Qi & Luanjiao Hu (2020) Including people with disability in the COVID-19 outbreak emergency preparedness and response in China. Disability & Society, DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2020.1752622 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687599.2020.1752622 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[xxxix] UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs – Disability (2016) Ageing and Disability. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/disability-and-ageing.html [Accessed 12/5/2020]

[xl] National Disability Authority (2006) Ageing and Disability – A Discussion Paper. http://nda.ie/Publications/Health/Health-Publications/Ageing-Disability-A-Discussion-Paper1.html [Accessed 12/5/2020

OTHER

News items, mainly from people with sensory disabilities

BBC News (2020) Coronavirus: Being blind during the pandemic[i]

“As someone who cannot see, I have to touch objects and surfaces much more than your average person.”

“Added to these obvious hygiene problems, it’s also harder to find a bathroom or alcohol gel point when you want to wash your hands.”

“A trip to the supermarket is difficult: holding a week’s shop in one hand and a white cane in the other makes navigating a challenge.”

In store shopping is difficult as help is needed getting items: “I guess it was a contact thing, because of having to take someone’s arm for guiding.”

Online shopping is also difficult: “Normally I get a delivery, but all the slots have been taken.”

The Conversation (2020) What coronavirus crisis means for blind and partially sighted people[ii]

“Anna was struggling to get her usual supermarket delivery slot as blind and partially sighted people in the UK are not classified as clinically extremely vulnerable so are not automatically entitled to food parcels, priority supermarket deliveries or help with basic care needs.”

Murray (2020) Face masks and social distancing mean it’s harder for deaf community to communicate during  COVID-19 crisis[iii]

“Grocery shopping, conversing with frontline workers and ringing a GP to make an appointment are all more difficult for members of this community right now, according to national charity CHIME. 

Furthermore, the use of PPE such as face masks and plastic partitions coupled with two-metre social distancing are all making lip-reading and conversation more challenging, if not impossible. 

CHIME is concerned that due to an apparent low number of sign language interpreters being booked for COVID-19 tests, the number of deaf people being tested is lower than that of the wider population.”

Irish Deaf Society (2020) Coronavirus Irish Sign Language Support[iv]

The Irish Deaf Society have developed a series of videos summarising key restriction measures as well as signs for core COVID-19 terms.

Pulrang (2020) [Editorial] 5 Things To Know About Coronavirus And People With Disabilities[v]

This article in Forbes highlights shopping, transport, hygiene issues and isolation issues “For one thing, some disabled people can’t isolate themselves as thoroughly as other people because they need regular, hands-on help from other people to do everyday self-care tasks. Also, laying in supplies of groceries can be difficult for some disabled people to do, when shopping of any kind is always extra taxing, and they rely on others for transportation. For some of us, even cleaning our homes and washing our hands frequently can be extra difficult due to physical impairments, environmental barriers or interrupted services.”

Pineda (2020) Disability, Urban Health Equity, and the Coronavirus Pandemic: Promoting Cities for All[vi]

“Persons with disabilities (PWDs) living in cities during the COVID-19 pandemic response may be four times more likely to be injured or die than non-disabled persons, not because of their ‘vulnerable’ position but because urban health policy, planning and practice has not considered their needs … We suggest that the current pandemic be viewed as an opportunity for significant urban health reforms on the scale of the sanitary and governance reforms that followed ninetieth century urban epidemics. This perspective offers insights for ensuring the twenty-first century response to COVID-19 focuses on promoting more inclusive and healthy cities for all.”

Brennan (2020) NHS faces ‘major problems’ as charities contemplate withdrawing support[vii]

“Community fundraising has literally gone off a cliff. This makes the work we as health and care charities do unsustainable, which will cause a major problem for the NHS, but more importantly for the people we support. Where are people going to go with their information and advice needs if charities need to reduce their service offer?”

Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) (2020) Learning from Home Report[viii]

This survey aims to shine a light on the reality for students with disabilities on the ground who are doing their best to continue learning ‘as normal’ in a situation that is far from it. The report hopes to authentically gather the experiences of learners with disabilities and bring their voice to the decision-making process about our response as a sector and a nation. It seeks to use the use the voice of learners to highlight key challenges and issues which we can collectively address together: government bodies, institutions, ETBs, teaching staff and independent bodies all have a role to play in responding effectively.

Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) (2020) COVID-19 FET Practitioner Report[ix]

For learners with disabilities, many of whom are in the identified COVID-19 ‘at risk’ categories, there are huge challenges in engaging in remote learning during this time and difficulties in how they access the support that is vital in their continuation and completion of FET programmes.

This survey report aims to shine a light on the difficulties that practitioners are experiencing in continuing to deliver those supports and their programmes more generally. It highlights key issues including a lack of engagement from a sizeable number of learners, a lack of continuity in the provision of disability support, difficulties for practitioners of juggling unfamiliar remote delivery with family responsibilities, a lack of practitioner experience with online delivery and the unsuitability of some programmes for online delivery.


[i] Pounds, K . Coronavirus: Being blind during the pandemic, BBC News, 4 April 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/disability-52118942 [Accessed 8/5/20]

[ii] Crossland, M. What coronavirus crisis means for blind and partially sighted people, The Conversation, 29 April 2020. https://theconversation.com/what-coronavirus-crisis-means-for-blind-and-partially-sighted-people-136991 [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[iii] Murray, S (2020) Face masks and social distancing mean it’s harder for deaf community to communicate during  COVID-19 crisis. The Journal, 6 May 2020. https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/coronavirus/face-masks-and-social-distancing-mean-its-harder-for-deaf-community-to-communicate-during-covid-19-crisis/ar-BB13FolS [Accessed 11/5/2020]

[iv] Irish Deaf Society (2020) IDS Coronavirus ISL Support. https://www.irishdeafsociety.ie/coronavirus-isl-support/ [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[v] Pulrang A. 5 Things To Know About Coronavirus And People With Disabilities. Editorial. Forbes . March 8 2020 https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/03/08/5-things-to-know-about-coronavirus-and-people-with-disabilities/#4d76e6091d21 [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[vi] Pineda VS, Corburn J. Disability, Urban Health Equity, and the Coronavirus Pandemic: Promoting Cities for All [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 23]. J Urban Health. 2020;1‐6. doi:10.1007/s11524-020-00437-7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7179953/ [Accessed 6/5/2020]

[vii] Brennan, S (2020) NHS faces ‘major problems’ as charities contemplate withdrawing support. HSJ, 6 May 2020. https://www.hsj.co.uk/commissioning/nhs-faces-major-problems-as-charities-contemplate-withdrawing-support/7027580.article [Accessed 8/5/2020]

[viii]AHEAD. Learning from Home During  COVID-19: A Survey of Irish FET and HE Students with Disabilities. May 2020 https://www.ahead.ie/ [Accessed 7/5/2020]

[ix] AHEAD. How COVID-19 is Affecting Irish FET Practitioners and their Provision for Students with Disabilities. May 2020. https://www.ahead.ie/userfiles/files/shop/free/How%20COVID-19%20is%20Affecting%20Irish%20FET%20Practitioners%20and%20their%20Provision%20for%20Students%20with%20Disabilities.pdf [Accessed 6/5/2020]

Produced by the members of the National Health Library and Knowledge Service Evidence Team. Current as at 15 MAY 2020.This evidence summary collates the best available evidence at the time of writing and does not replace clinical judgement or guidance. Emerging literature or subsequent developments in respect of COVID-19 may require amendment to the information or sources listed in the document. Although all reasonable care has been taken in the compilation of content, the National Health Library and Knowledge Service Evidence Team makes no representations or warranties expressed or implied as to the accuracy or suitability of the information or sources listed in the document. This evidence summary is the property of the National Health Library and Knowledge Service and subsequent re-use or distribution in whole or in part should include acknowledgement of the service.

Anne Madden, Assistant Librarian, St Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin [Author] Margaret Morgan, Librarian, Regional Hospital Mullingar [Author]; Brendan Leen, Area Library Manager, HSE South [Editor]

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