Click on a word which is in blue and bold to read what it means.
Inclusion Europe published a report about
how Covid-19 affected the rights of people
with intellectual disabilities and their families.
You can read the full report here.
Inclusion Europe wants people to know
what happened to people with intellectual disabilities
and their families during the Covid-19 crisis.
The report shows people with intellectual disabilities
were segregated and discriminated against once more.
Numbers
Numbers are important to see how Covid-19
changed the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities.
For example, to know how many people
died in institutions or hospitals.
The European Union and countries
need to investigate.
Health
The Covid-19 pandemic showed that accessibility
of health and emergency services is bad.
Accessing treatment in hospitals was not sure
for persons with intellectual disabilities sick.
For example, there were triage protocols,
to determine if a person could have access to treatment
if the hospital was full of people sick.
Sometimes, the medical personnel did not know
how to behave with people with intellectual disabilities.
People working in institutions did not have enough
protections (masks, gloves).
Institutions
Persons with intellectual disabilities
were isolated from their families and friends for months.
They were at high risk of infection.
It is proof that institutionalisation is harmful
and is a violation of European values and human rights.
Support services and the role of families
Because of lockdown, daycare centre
and support services closed.
Many persons with intellectual disabilities got no support.
This had a big impact on families having to take care.
This led to panic and worry for everyone.
Some countries supported to families.
Several countries are letting parents take paid
leave so that they can stay home and look after their children.
Education
Schools had to close and be online.
People with intellectual disabilities were left behind,
because they did not have support,
or the material was not accessible.
When schools reopened, some did not allow
children with intellectual disabilities.
Many families were afraid.
Access to information and consultations
Information was not in easy-to-read.
Some people did not understand the situation.
Disability organisations talked to governments
to tell them to consult people with intellectual disabilities.
Employment
Because of Covid-19, many people lost their jobs.
The situation was very uncertain.
People with disabilities are afraid to lose their jobs.
