Disability issues related to COVID-19 Townhall hosted by Ontario Autism Coalition and partners (April 7th 2020 recording))

Disability issues related to COVID-19 Townhall hosted by Ontario Autism Coalition and partners (April 7th, 2020)

Public Forum on what needs to be done across the system during the COVID-19 pandemic to properly care for and accommodate persons with disabilities (PWD). Concern about the needs of PWD being forgotten unless they are actively included in these protocols and policies. “At times like these the maxim ‘nothing about us, without us’ is vital”.  Priority actions are recommended for both individuals and system leaders at the end of the video/public forum.

Topics include:  

• Hardships in finding safe shelter for PWD who are experiencing homelessness
• How to self-isolate safely when needing attendant/and or family assistance; lack PPE for personal attendants
• Income security: having enough money to live (OW, ODSP, Federal Emergency Fund)
• Education/learning barriers with home-schooling for students with disabilities
• Communication barriers (access to information/communicating non-verbally or with assistance devices) 

Link to video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ23it9ULjc