Disabilities

While people with certain disabilities are already at higher risk for severe COVID-19, that risk is increased by elements within the health-care system.

According to the World Economic Forum, approximately 15 per cent of the population — or 1 in 7 people — live with some form of disability. And while a large portion of this group can work, it remains an underemployed segment.

The agency says it will collect feedback from the public relating to "the provision or withdrawal of life-saving or life-sustaining care." It is also looking for information on discrimination in the context of organ transplants.

“In all our actions, our goal is clear: a world in which all persons can enjoy equal opportunities, participate in decision-making, and truly benefit from economic, social, political and, cultural life. That is a goal worth fighting for.”

Many of the assessments used to evaluate capacity do not account for specific types of disabilities.

"Job interviews are challenging for everyone, but particularly so for people with disabilities who have always had difficulties presenting themselves favorably to gain employment."

Media exposure for deaf communities in lockdown was either patronising or missing altogether ... Instead, most coverage was either about how easy it would be to learn BSL as a hobby during lockdown, or stories emphasising how isolated some deaf people could become.