Disability and Spatial Exclusion Under COVID-19 in South Africa

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a range of existing inequalities. People with disabilities are disadvantaged worldwide and frequently denied spaces within personal and public contexts. This article focuses on the environmental and functional experiences of people with disabilities and service providers in South Africa during the pandemic. Lockdown conditions resulted in diminished spaces and loss of agency, consequent to increased dependence on families, the state and the non-governmental organization sector. Service providers had to suspend most services and experienced a lack of government support and collaboration. Mental health issues emerged as a key concern. Despite challenges, online technology provided opportunities for ongoing support, learning, and delivery of certain services. Such findings highlight the need for greater stakeholder collaboration with people with disabilities and their organizations toward increasing their agency and representation, and assessing disability-inclusive policy.