Being a disabled woman in a global pandemic: a focus group study in the United States along with policy recommendations

Abstract

This study sheds light on the problems and strengths of disabled people during the ongoing COVID pandemic, as many societies are dropping mitigation measures. Fourteen disabled women from the United States participated in virtual focus groups, and the study identified five major themes: New Challenges, Old Challenges Persist, Structural Changes to Accessibility, Coping Resources, and Learning for Future. The findings aligned with existing literature on challenges related to vaccination, mask mandates, messages regarding value of disabled lives, and the need for disabled individuals to be involved in preparedness. By taking these findings into account, policymakers have an opportunity to create a society that prioritizes justice for disabled people, even during times of crisis.

Points of interest

• The findings explain the continued challenges faced by disabled women during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

• A previously marginalized group, disabled women continue to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with an increase in accessibility barriers and a surge in mental health symptoms as frequently mentioned challenges.

• The pandemic reinforced pre-existing stereotypes and prejudices, including the messages on the value of disabled lives in popular media.

• The participants highlighted improved accessibility in some areas, including proliferation of remote work, curbside pickup and delivery, and telehealth, and they expressed hope that those changes will become the norm for life in the post-pandemic world.

• Participants stressed the need for universal design and recommended the inclusion of disabled people in every stage of pandemic and crisis planning to make information, services, education, and work accessible for all.

Keywords:

• Covid-19 pandemic challenges
• Coping resources
• People with disabilities
• Future preparedness
• Policy recommendations

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Faculty Research Development Grant at Penn State Berks; Speece Endowment for Science and Innovation at Penn State Berks;