Resources on COVID-19 and Disability Inclusion - April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that can cause severe acute respiratory problems, progression to pneumonia, and multi-organ failure. It was first identified in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, in late 2019 and has rapidly spread to other countries, causing a havoc wreaking- global pandemic. Due to this rapid spread of the virus and lack of any treatment and vaccine available, all health systems are incapable of coping with the numbers of persons requiring treatment.

Consequently, governments are taking unprecedented measures to manage the impact of the crisis. This crisis is rampantly affecting all spheres of the society, the health and social care systems, economies, businesses, employees and employers, students and educators, and individuals and families. These undertaken measures include voluntary and/or enforced hygiene precautions, social distancing, isolation or quarantine, strict protocols on providing healthcare due to shortages of staff and equipment, shutting down of non-essential businesses and restrictions on freedom of movement (or lockdown). Some of these measures affect access to basic goods and services, social networks, and income.

Even highly developed countries, such as Italy and the USA, are struggling to manage this crisis, and developing countries are hence likely to struggle more, due to limited resources, weaker healthcare systems, poorer hygiene and sanitation facilities, lack of medical supplies and trained healthcare workers, less stable economies, reliance on informal sectors of work, and virtually non-existent social protection systems. Moreover, conflict zones will further face additional excruciating challenges. Many of these current measures taken by the governments to manage the crisis are not possible in conflict contexts.

There is also an added element of increased stress and anxiety due to the threat of becoming ill, not being able to access healthcare, and the negative impact of the measures taken by governments. Many governments are providing periodic briefings, but the information is often limited or incomplete. Moreover, misinformation is being spread via social media and other sources.

COVID-19 will endanger and disadvantage the marginalized and vulnerable groups the most as marginalized groups are even more vulnerable in emergencies due to

numerous factors. Some of these factors are limited access to technologies and information, dependence on the informal economy, lack of savings or credit, limited political influence, and limited ability to adapt or cope.

Among the vulnerable populations, the COVID-19 virus and the measures to respond to the pandemic are impacting persons with disabilities most disproportionately. Persons with disabilities face additional risks than persons without disabilities as there are additional factors that put them at a greater disadvantage. Pre-existing health conditions, lack of inclusive communication methods, lack of access to healthcare and physical barriers in practicing social distancing, hand washing, are some of the complications that put persons with disabilities at disproportionate risk.

The UNPRPD has compiled a list of resources on COVID-19 and Disability Inclusion. Resources included in this list are for information purposes; the inclusion of a resource in this list does not represent an endorsement of its content, language or viewpoint.

The document is regularly updated thanks to the inputs we receive by organizations and individuals working on Covid-19.

List of resources on COVID-19 and Disability-Inclusive Responses

Global COVID-19 situation data dashboard (persons with disabilities-focused

statistics unavailable).

Ref. WHO. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Situation Dashboard

[Online]. WHO .

General COVID-19 Information resources including relevant myth busters.

Ref. WHO. (2020). COVID-19 Information resources [Online]. WHO .

Feedback mechanisms on COVID-19 through WhatsApp.

Ref. WHO, UNICEF, UNDP & IFCN. (2020). How WhatsApp can help you

stay connected during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic [Online].

WhatsApp.

Implications of the epidemic on persons with disabilities

Brief guidance note reported evidence for a disability-inclusive COVID-19

response in Syria settings. The evidence includes disability prevalence in Syria,

and risks faced by PWDs in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ref. Protection Cluster. (2020). Inclusive COVID-19 response – NWS

Disability – TWG on Inclusion Guidance Note_Syrian Arab Republic_April

2020_EN. Protection Cluster.

The statement addresses apprehension of PWDs in the UK regarding the

compliance of NHS with the rights of disabled people during the COVID-19

outbreak, and advocates core principles for the UK health care system that

should left no one behind.

Ref. Disability Rights UK. (2020). COVID-19 and the rights of disabled

people.

A comprehensive repository of resources on disability inclusion and Covid-19,

encompassing COVID-19 instructions in easy read and plain language, sign

languages, and relevant evidence at international organisations, governments,

and research/academic publications.

Ref. Core group & IDDC. (2020). Repository of resources on disability

inclusion and Covid-19 [Online]. Core group & IDDC .

A paper recommending health protection of PWDs during COVID-19

outbreaks along with legal, practical and ethical reasons, problems faced by

PWDs and their families.

Ref. Inclusiva. (2020). Recommendations for health protection of people with

disabilities during outbreaks: lessons learned from the 2019 novel coronavirus

[Online]. Inclusiva .

This video states why people with disabilities are more vulnerable to the

Covid-19 pandemic.

Ref. Humanity & Inclusion UK. (2020). "Disability becomes an additional

layer of vulnerability" - COVID-19 - Humanity & Inclusion”.

Easy-to-read information website about Coronavirus available in many

languages.

Ref. Inclusion Europe. (2020). Easy-to-read information about Coronavirus

available in many languages.

General information website on COVID-19 including guideline for actions at

individual level.

Ref. Mencap. (2020). Information about Coronavirus.

Easy-read guideline document for PWDs’ protective practices against COVID-

19

Ref. Green Mountain Self Advocates. (2020). COVID-19 Information by and

for People with Disabilities.

Easy-read guideline document for protective practices against COVID-19 at

individual level

Ref. Chosen Power. (2020). COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines (Easy Read).

[Online]. Chosen Power .

International Disability Alliance key recommendations towards a

disability-Inclusive COVID19 response

IDA’s online hub-page to share the most recent updates and resources

regarding how COVID-19 is affecting persons with disabilities.

Ref. IDA. (2020). COVID 19 and the disability movement.

This paper specifies list of difficulties that PWDs are facing during the

COVID-19 outbreak and encompasses key recommendations for disability-

inclusive response.Ref. IDA. (2020).

Ref. Toward a Disability-Inclusive COVID19 Response: 10 recommendations

from the International Disability Alliance [Online]. IDA . [Viewed 25 March

2020].

This paper addresses challenges that persons with disabilities may face during

the COVID-19 pandemic and suggests the COVID-19 responses to be

disability-inclusive, with factors to be considered when conducting social

protection measures.

Ref. Embracing diversity, UNPRPD & IDA. (2020). Disability inclusive social

protection response to COVID-19 crisis. Embracing diversity, UNPRPD &

IDA.

Guidelines and resources from the UN

WHO

General information video on coronavirus (COVID-19) including its origin,

symptoms, and prevention practices.

Ref. IASC. (2020). Coronavirus Explained.

A brief describes challenges that PWDs are facing during the COVID-19

outbreak and suggests considerations for PWDs at a household, health service

provider and a government level respectively.

Ref. WHO. (2020). Disability considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

General prevention advice on the use of masks during the COVID-19 outbreak

Ref. WHO. (2020). Advice on the use of masks in the community, during home

care and in healthcare settings in the context of the novel coronavirus

(COVID-19) outbreak.

Messages that can be used in communications to support mental and

psychosocial well-being in different target groups during the outbreak.

Ref. WHO. (2020). Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During

COVID-19 Outbreak.

A tool to help prepare and protect individuals, families and the public’s health

during early response to COVID-19.

Ref. WHO. (2020). Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)

Action Plan Guidance COVID-19 Preparedness and Response.

UNICEF

General information for parents on COVID-19 including origin, symptoms, and

practices to prevent the infection.

Ref. UNICEF. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): What parents should

know.

UNICEF COVID-19 response for children and adults with disabilities,

including what we need to know and what we need to do for risk reduction and

in-country preparedness.

Ref. UNICEF. (2020). COVID-19 response: Considerations for Children and

Adults with Disabilities.

General tips for parenting during the COVID-19 outbreak, categorized by 1.

One-on-one time, 2. Keeping it positive, 3. Get structured, 4. Bad behaviour, 5.

Keep calm and manage stress, and 6. Talking about COVID-19.

Ref. UNICEF. (2020). Tips for parenting during the coronavirus (COVID-19)

outbreak.

OHCHR

Guidance highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on the rights of persons with disabilities

Ref. OHCHR (2020). Guidance Note on COVID-19 and the rights of persons

with disabilities .

Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)

Briefing notes addressing mental health and psychosocial Aspects of COVID-

19 outbreak that is available in a range of languages.

Ref. IASC. (2020). Interim Briefing Note Addressing Mental Health and

Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak.

A briefing note summarizing key mental health and psychosocial support

(MHPSS) considerations in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

outbreak.

Ref. IASC. (2020). Briefing note on addressing mental health and psychosocial

aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak Version 1.1.

UN News

The UN human rights specialists put emphasis on child protection measures

during the COVID-19 pandemic, since children are at a greater risk of

experiencing violence and exploitation. The request includes toll-free 24-hours

hotlines, free texting services, remote psychological and social services, and

mobile shelters for minors.

Ref. UN News. (2020). UN experts call for urgent action to mitigate

heightened risks of violence against children. UN News.

UN News delivering the Joint Statement for Persons with Disabilities and

COVID-19 by the Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Committee on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-

General on Disability and Accessibility.

Ref. UN News. (2020). Joint Statement: Persons with Disabilities and COVID-

19 by the Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities, on behalf of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on

Disability and Accessibility. UN News.

A news reporting PWDs being in a situation of feeling left behind during the

COVID-19 outbreak and governments’ response, and implications for

improvement in supportive measures and public health messages.

Ref. UN News. (2020). Preventing discrimination against people with

disabilities in COVID-19 response. UN News.

Other UN bodies

A repository of online materials to facilitate student learning and provide social

care and interaction during periods of school closure.

Ref. UNESCO. (2020). Distance learning solutions.

A repository of useful links for disability-inclusive response to COVID-19

crisis, mainly focusing on Asia and Pacific region’s responses from UN

entities, governments, and CSOs.

Ref. UN ESCAP. (2020). Useful links for disability-inclusive responses to

COVID-19 crisis.

This article from Department of Global Communications urges to ensure that

the needs of the most vulnerable (women, children, people with disabilities, the

marginalized and the displaced) are reflected in the COVID-19 emergency

response.

Ref. UN Department of Global Communications. (2020). UN working to

ensure vulnerable groups not left behind in COVID-19 response.

UN paper describing social, economic and multidimensional impacts of

COVID-19, and sustainable solutions to cope with the impacts.

Ref. UN. (2020). SHARED RESPONSIBILITY, GLOBAL SOLIDARITY:

Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19.

Guidance for COVID-19 prevention and control in schools, with key messages,

actions and checklists for school administrators, teachers, staffs, parents,

caregivers, community members, students and children.

Ref. UNICEF, WHO & IFRC. (2020). IASC Interim Guidance on COVID-19

Prevention and Control in Schools - March 2020.

A technical brief delivering key messages on protecting sexual and

reproductive health and rights and promoting gender equality during the

COVID-19 outbreak.

Ref. UNFPA (2020). COVID-19: A Gender Lens protecting sexual and

reproductive health and rights and promoting gender equality.

UNHCR engagement note describing the importance of national planning to

focus on health and well-being of vulnerable populations and of messages to be

contextualized and adapted to the target community.

Ref. UNHCR (2020). Risk Communication and Community Engagement

(RCCE) – COVID-19.

The technical advice of the disability team at the Gender, Equality and

Diversity branch (GED) in the ILO.

Ref. ILO. (2020). Questions on Disability and Work: Key issues on promoting

employment of persons with disabilities.

A webinar record to share good practices on the inclusion of people with

disabilities in the COVID-19 responses related to the World of Work

Ref. ILO. (2020). Disability Inclusion in COVID-19 responses in the World of

Work

News reporting that the situation of people with disabilities in institutions,

psychiatric facilities and prisons is particularly grave, given the high risk of

contamination and the lack of external oversight and that the needs of tailored-

approaches to containment measures and of improving access to COVID-19

updates for all.

Ref. Devandas C. (2020). COVID-19: Who is protecting the people with

disabilities? – UN rights expert. UNHRC .

Community Engagement and Risk Communication

Useful links from CDAC for COVID-19 response materials in the world,

including easy-to-use and read card sheets relating to issues around COVID-19

for those with communications disabilities.

Ref. CDAC. (2020). Resources for those responding to COVID-19 [Online].

CDAC . .

A paper urging COVID-19 response to be inclusive for marginalised and

vulnerable people, including key implications for risk communication and

community engagement.

Ref. RCCE. (2020). COVID-19: How to include marginalized and vulnerable

people in risk communication and community engagement [Online]. RCCE .

A paper addressing the importance of risk communication and community

engagement within the new coronavirus response with the current situation

focusing in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ref. RCCE. (2020). New Coronavirus Risk Communication and Community

Engagement Strategy [Online]. RCCE .

Training/ Inclusive Resources

Short, imaged-based course and poster that do not require high levels of

literacy. Designed to support locations with weaker health systems that are ill-

prepared to deal with COVID-19. Available in a range of languages.

Ref. International SOS. (2020). Education and communication [Online].

International SOS .

Guidance for older people during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the virus

definition and daily practices for protection at individual level. Available in

Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.

Ref. HelpAge International. (2020). COVID-19: Guidance and advice for older

people [Online]. HelpAge International .

General information as infographics and videos on COVID-19 in Bengali.

Ref. Lace R. (2020). COVID-19 Infographic 1-BN [Online]. BBC .

A paper suggesting practical considerations relating to flows of information,

misinformation and disinformation though online media, particularly social

media networks, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ref. Social Science in Humanitarian Action. (2020). Key considerations: online

information, mis- and disinformation in the context of COVID-19 [Online].

Social Science in Humanitarian Action .

A YouTube video showing general information on COVID-19 in international

sign language.

Ref. Mill Neck International. (2020). COVID IN Intl Sign [Online]. Mill Neck

International .

A YouTube video showing Coronavirus PSA symptoms, prevention and travel

history in American sign language.

Ref. mnhealth. (2020). Coronavirus PSA Symptoms, Prevention and Travel

History - American Sign Language (ASL) [Online] .

A YouTube video showing general information on COVID-19 in sign language

in Mozambique.Ref. TV Surdo Moçambique. (2020).

Ref. SAIBA COMO SE PROTEGER DO CORONAVIRUS EM LSM)

[Online]. TV Surdo Moçambique . .

A position paper addressing people who are not digitally well connected, and

do not receive the health messages already circulating. It suggests clear,

coordinated and understandable communications and protection in a localized

manner.

Ref. A4EP. (2020). Localised response to COVID-19 global pandemic

[Online]. A4EP .

Guidance on Protection from and response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment during COVID-19 outbreak

UN Women published a policy brief regarding the impact of COVID-19 on

women, suggesting priority measures to accompany both the immediate

response and longer-term recovery efforts.

Ref. UN Women. (2020). Policy brief: The impact of COVID-19 on women.

[Online]. UN Women.

This publication shows the practices for gender-inclusive preparedness and

response planning against the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses the impacts

and the potential way forward on gender issues including violence against

women.

Ref. UN Women. (2020). The First 100 Days of the COVID-19 Outbreak in

Asia and the Pacific: A Gender Lens.

A note provides information and practical guidance to support gender-based

violence (GBV) practitioners to integrate attention to disability into GBV

prevention, risk mitigation and response efforts during the COVID-19

pandemic.

Ref. GBV AoR. (2020). Report Title: Disability Considerations in GBV

Programming during the COVID-19 Pandemic [Online]. GBV AoR .

A guideline highlightes the impact of COVID-19 on GBV in Iraq and

provides key messages and recommendations to be considered in order to

prevent/mitigate the GBV risks during the time of COVID-19.

Ref. GBV AoR. (2020). Guidance Note on GBV Service Provision during the

Time of COVID-19 [Online]. GBV AoR .

This paper provides practical support to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

practitioners to adapt GBV case management service delivery models quickly

and ethically during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Ref. GBV AoR. (2020). GBV Case Management and the COVID-19 Pandemic

[Online]. GBV AoR .

This paper includes analysis showing the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks on

women and girls and addresses implications.

Ref. Care. (2020). Gender Implications of COVID-19 Outbreaks in

Development and Humanitarian Settings [Online]. Care .

Academic publications (e.g. peer-reviewed journal, working paper)

The article points to possible exacerbation in older people’s mental health

during the COVID-19 pandemic with a piece of evidence from China. It puts

emphasis on flexible, feasible policies for older people since current

containment measures may have worsened barriers to health access for them.

Ref. Yang Y., Li W., Zhang Q., Zhang L., Cheung T., Xiang Y. T. (2020).

Correspondence: Mental health services for older adults in China during the

COVID-19 outbreak . The Lancet Psychiatry. 7(4) pp. PE19.

The paper suggests telemental health services such as videoconferencing and

online forums during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve a range of mental

health including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Examples of China and

Australia were mentioned.

Ref. Zhou X., Snoswell C. L., Harding L. E., Bambling M., Edirippulige S.,

Bai X. & Smith A. C. (2020). [Forthcoming]. The Role of Telehealth in

Reducing the Mental Health Burden from COVID-19.

The article specifies several lessons from the response to the HIV and TB

epidemics that could be crucial to the success of the response to COVID-19;

ensuring that human rights principles are entrenched in the COVID-19

response, relying on the best available evidence to inform decision making, and

the fostering of global collaboration to fuel innovation and equitable access

while ensuing the allocation of adequate financial and other resources needed

to mount an effective response.

Ref. Avafia T., Konstantinov B., Esom K., Sanjuan J. R. & Schleifer R. (2020).

A Rights-Based Response to COVID-19: Lessons Learned from HIV and TB

Epidemics.

Highlighting that giving guidance that suggests that some life is worth less than

others isn’t the answer, this article criticizes the critical care guideline from

NICE, and urge changes not only in guidelines but fundamental point that the

right to survive should be given to all.

Ref. Baker D. (2020). Daniel Baker: No assumptions should be made about

people’s quality of life irrespective of any disability.

A comprehensive helpdesk paper that measured the impact of COVID-19 on

PWDs including both primary and secondary impacts. Factors that uniquely

impacts on PWDs encompass individual and contextual factors, and

attitudinal/environmental/institutional barriers. While the data collected is

mostly based on HICs and thus quite limited to LMICs settings, the paper

speculates that the PWDs in LMICs may have been under worse situation due

to lack of resources in their health systems. Recommendations to mitigate the

disability-inclusive response to COVID-19 include a twin-track approach,

engagement with PWDs or DPOs, and identify/remove barriers.

Ref. Meaney-Davis J., Lee H., & Corby N. (2020). The impacts of COVID-19

on people with disabilities: a rapid review.

This paper pinpoints government policies/guidelines during the COVID-19

outbreak that discriminates persons with disabilities against provision of proper

health care. The article urges proper interpretation of the law for equal health

access/treatment for all, making medical determinations based on the best

available objective evidence, free from bias against people with disabilities or

devaluation of their lives.

Ref. Bagenstos, S. R. (2020). [Forthcoming]. May Hospitals Withhold

Ventilators from COVID-19 Patients with Pre-Existing Disabilities? Notes on

the Law and Ethics of Disability-Based Medical Rationing. Yale Law Journal

Forum.

The comment urges the response to disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 to be

effective and not reproduce or perpetuate gender and health inequities. It is

claimed to be important that gender norms, roles, and relations that influence

women's and men's differential vulnerability to infection, exposure to

pathogens, and treatment received, as well as how these may differ among

different groups of women and men, are considered and addressed.

Ref. Wenham C., Smith J. & Morgan R. (2020). COVID-19: the gendered

impacts of the outbreak. The Lancet . 396(10027), pp.846-848 .

This correspondence highlights that COVID-19 mitigation strategies must be

inclusive of PLWD to ensure they maintain respect for “dignity, human rights

and fundamental freedoms” and avoid widening existing disparities.

Ref. Armitage R., & Nellums L. B. (2020). Correspondence: The COVID-19

response must be disability inclusive. [Online]. The Lancet Public Health .

This editorial paper addresses that failure to respect the needs of vulnerable

groups will seriously undermine response efforts, and suggests considerations

including free testing for all and full employment rights during COVID-19

outbreak.

Ref. Berger Zackary D, Evans Nicholas G, Phelan Alexandra L. & Silverman

Ross D. (2020). Editorial: Covid-19: control measures must be equitable and

inclusive [Online]. The BMJ .

This commentary claims that hospitalised patients with severe mental illness

are seemingly overlooked and suggests some effective measures that should be

rapidly undertaken to reverse current challenges.

Ref. Li S. & Zhang Y. (2020). Commentary: Mental healthcare for psychiatric

inpatients during the COVID-19 epidemic [Online]. General Psychiatry .

The editorials address four key concerns on older people’s care against

COVID-19 outbreak in L/MICs settings, and urge taking those into

considerations in health system.

Ref. Lloyd-Sherlock P., Ebrahim S., Geffen L. & McKee M. (2020). Editorials:

Bearing the brunt of covid-19: older people in low and middle income

countries [Online]. The BMJ .

This commentary addresses neglection and stigma regarding mental health

disorders in China and their exacerbation during COVID-19 outbreak, and urge

implications to improve the situation.

Ref. Yao H., Chen J. H. & Xu Y. F. (2020). Commentary: Patients with mental

health disorders in the COVID-19 epidemic [Online]. The Lancet Psychiatry .

Government's response strategies for persons with disabilities

A link to public advices during COVID-19 crisis in South Korea, including

compliance with the national code of conduct and mass facilities for children

and seniors.

Ref. CDMH & CDCH (2020). Public Advice [Online]. CDMH & CDCH .

United Kingdom

Advice is given on the approach to supporting people with a learning disability

and people with autism when providing treatment for COVID-19

Ref. NHS England (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.

A link to COVID-19 guidance and regulations, including for residential care,

new adult social care guidance to protect the most vulnerable.

Ref. GOV.UK (2020). Social care.

NGOs /Social enterprises /Foundation

COVID-19 blog series that addresses concerns on the immediate and longer

term impacts of COVID-19 on PWDs and suggests implications, focusing on

gender, social inclusion and safeguarding.

Ref. Social Development Direct (2020). COVID-19 Blog Series.

Easy reading instruction on 7 simple tips to talk to kids about COVID-19.

Ref. Save the Children. (2020). 7 simple tips on how to talk to kids about the

coronavirus [Online]. Save the Children.

The guideline of ICRC to support the ICRC’s delegations and métiers in their

response to COVID-19.

Ref. ICRC. (2020). COVID-19: Inclusive Programming – Ensuring Assistance

and Protection Addresses the Needs of Marginalized and At-risk People

[Online]. ICRC.

A list of opportunities, news and events on the COVID-19 crisis and its issues

regarding women and girls with disabilities.

Ref. European Disability Forum. (2020). Women and Girls with disabilities

[Online]. European Disability Forum.

A technical note to support child protection practitioners to better respond to

the child protection risks during a COVID-19 pandemic.

Ref. The Alliance. (2020). Technical Note on the Protection of Children during

the Coronavirus Pandemic [Online]. The Alliance.

A news promoting CBM’s activities in response to COVID-19 for persons with

disabilities.

Ref. CBM. (2020). Including People with Disabilities in the COVID-19

Response [Online]. CBM.

Regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, this article reminds relevant laws in the US

that prohibiting  rationing measures when they result in the denial of care on

the basis of disability to an individual who would benefit from it and promotes

preventing discrimination in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Ref. DREDF. (2020). Preventing Discrimination in the Treatment of COVID-

19 Patients: The Illegality of Medical Rationing on the Basis of Disability

[Online]. DREDF.

The article addresses the need to examine the potential for COVID-19 to

increase the risk of violence against women and girls and suggest gender-

inclusive measures during the COVID-19 crisis.

Ref. Social Development Direct. (2020). Why we need to talk more about the

potential for COVID -19 to increase the risk of violence against women and

girls [Online]. Social Development Direct

Accessible information on Covid-19 and Disability

Easy-to-read information about Coronavirus available in many languages.

Ref. Inclusion Europe. (2020). Easy-to-read information about Coronavirus

available in many languages [Online]. Inclusion Europe.

General information on COVID-19 including guideline for actions at individual

level.

Ref. Mencap. (2020). Information about Coronavirus [Online]. Inclusion

Europe.

Easy-read guideline for PWDs’ protective practices against COVID-19

Ref. Green Mountain Self Advocates. (2020). COVID-19 Information by and

for People with Disabilities [Online]. Green Mountain Self Advocates.

Easy-read guideline for protective practices against COVID-19 at individual

level

Ref. Chosen Power. (2020). COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines (Easy Read)

[Online]. Chosen Power.

Evidence from other media sources and blogs

This news article points out that some of the media languages discriminates

persons in more vulnerable situations during the COVID-19 pandemic by

trying to reassure people that the virus may harm “only” elderly and

chronically ill people. “Good intentions accompanied with bad language often

do more harm than good”.

Ref. Obosi S. (2020). Opinion: We need to change the language around

COVID-19.

This webinar conducted from academic professionals around the world handles

the issues on Ageism, health and COVID-19.

Ref. Corona Older. (2020). Ageism, health and COVID-19.

A database of resources on how COVID-19 intersects with disability.

Ref. Source. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic.

This blog discusses the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on people with

intellectual disabilities.

Ref. Adams D. (2020). How coronavirus could affect the wellbeing of people

with intellectual disabilities.

This news article addresses that a stronger support system for COVID-19

survivors since there is a possible post-intensive care syndrome that people

who spend time in an ICU due to COVID-19, saying that the new coronavirus

may lead many COVID-19 survivors to spend prolonged periods on a

ventilator under deep sedation.

Ref. Servick K. (2020). For survivors of severe COVID-19, beating the virus is

just the beginning.

An online news article reported that Pennsylvania’s critical care guidelines

discriminate against persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak

and that although the department of human services acknowledged such

potential of discrimination in the health care guidelines and revised the

guidelines, still there is a part where may exacerbate the biased care against

PWDs.

Ref. Brubaker H. (2020). Activists say Pennsylvania’s critical-care guidelines

discriminate against the disabled for COVID-19 care. The Philadelphia

Inquirer.

This online news article brought up the issues that social distancing is almost

impossible for PWDs and their carers, implicitly suggesting the need of

feasible solutions.

Ref. Torres E. (2020). Social distancing ‘not possible’ for people with

disabilities raising challenges. abc News.

An online news article reported that health information access during the

COVID-19 crisis in Germany showed language barriers to deaf people, and the

ministry of health later ensured to improve access to communication including

a coronavirus telephone hotline for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Ref. Hammerstein L. V. (2020). How Germany's fight against coronavirus

excludes the deaf. DW .

A website created for COVID-19 response to be older people-inclusive. The

site proposes a mortality calculator that addresses the importance of healthcare

focusing on older people.

Ref. Lloyed-Sherlock P. Ebrahim S. Geffen L. & McKee M. (2020). Resources

and information on coronavirus and older people in developing countries

[Online]. Lloyed-Sherlock P. Ebrahim S. Geffen L. & McKee M.

Highlighting that giving guidance that suggests that some life is worth less than

others isn’t the answer, this article criticizes the critical care guideline from

NICE, and urge changes not only in guidelines but fundamental point that the

right to survive should be given to all.

Ref. Baker D. (2020). Daniel Baker: No assumptions should be made about

people’s quality of life irrespective of any disability.

Personal experiences and recommendations to safeguard a child with

disabilities. Ref. Love That Max. (2020). Medical care rationing and disability:

What parents need to know. Love That Max .

Experiences and suggestions in terms of COVID-19 response in Kenya for

PWDs.

Ref. Mugambi Paul. (2020). Why Social Isolation is a Greek term to the

disabled Kenyans: Author Mugambi Paul [Online]. Mugambi Paul .

News on COVID-19 crisis placing disabled people at risk by lockdown process.Ref. Stuff. (2020). Coronavirus: Disabled people placed at risk by lockdown process, lawyer says [Online]. Stuff .

Suggestions on realistic measures to protect PWDs in L/MICs settings.Ref. LSHTM. (2020). COVID-19 control in low-income settings and displaced populations: what can realistically be done? [Online]. LSHTM.

A repository of links regarding COVID-19 response and disability inclusion.Ref. Fremlin P. T. (2020). Disability Debrief: news on coronavirus response [Online]. Fremlin P. T .

Easy-read English information on what the coronavirus is. Ref. The Autism Educator (2020). What is the Coronavirus? [Online]. The Autism Educator. [Viewed 1 April 2020] .