Pandemic and disability: Challenges faced and role of technology

Abstract

The pandemic has affected every facet of human life. Apart from individual's psychological and mental health issues, mobility, access and communication with high risk infection is a challenging situation. People with disabilities are more vulnerable to infections. The new changes in our social lifestyle (social distancing, limiting touch) can profoundly impact the day-to-day life of people with disabilities. In this paper, we will briefly discuss the situation faced by individuals with disabilities, some known remedies, and yet to be identified and curated technological remedies; the impact due to transition of special education toward online mode, and tips and tricks for better utilization of work from home concept by people with disabilities. Accessibility must be universal, accommodate all and encourage inclusivity. As rightly said by Helen Keller, 'The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision'; subsequently, going by the demands of the time, we should contribute towards the universal design approach by supporting people with disabilities and committing to the changes required in disability care to reduce the impact of the pandemic.