How COVID-19 impacted people with disabilities: A qualitative study in Delaware

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Disability Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique and significant challenges for people with disabilities, their caregivers, and service providers.
• Assessing the inequitable health and well-being impacts of the pandemic response on individuals with disabilities is crucial for future emergency preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling individuals with disabilities in Delaware.
• To identify specific areas of disruption including health services, housing, employment, education, transportation, and community belonging.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with individuals with disabilities, caregivers, service providers, and elected officials in Delaware.
• A structured interview guide focused on pandemic-related threats to various life aspects.
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: loss/changes in home-based services, disrupted routines affecting work/education access, limited transportation, financial and housing instability, and mental health challenges.
• The pandemic created long-term threats to independent living, meaningful employment, and equity in financial, health, and educational domains for people with disabilities.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected nearly all facets of life for people with disabilities.
• The findings underscore the vulnerability of progress toward independent living and equity for this population during public health emergencies.