ABSTRACT
This study aimed to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the stress levels and life satisfaction of individuals with disabilities and what role social support plays in mitigating these impacts. Data from individuals with disabilities (n = 600) were extracted from a larger international cross-sectional survey study. Regression analyses were conducted to examine how personal and environmental factors contributed to stress levels and life satisfaction changes during the pandemic. Mediation analyses were used to test whether social support mediated the association between stress level and life satisfaction. The negative impact of the pandemic, having a psychiatric disability, being a female, and being younger significantly predicted stress levels. Moreover, the negative impact of the pandemic and stress levels significantly predicted life satisfaction. The relationship between stress levels and life satisfaction was mediated by social support from significant others and friends. There is an urgent need to provide training and education for healthcare professionals, families, and caregivers on the basic aspects of mental health care, developing time-limited and culturally-sensitive mental health interventions, and strategies for expanding the social support system for the population. Broad dissemination of effective therapeutic strategies is crucial in mitigating the negative psychosocial impact of the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic is the most pressing public health challenge currently faced by populations around the globe;yet, little is known about specific experiences and impacts of the pandemic on the employment of people with disabilities. This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of people with disabilities and their lived experiences. Methods: Data were drawn from a larger online survey study designed to describe the experiences of people with and without disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the larger dataset, 318 individuals reported having a disability and having been employed prior to the pandemic. A mixed-analysis using quantitative and qualitative data from those respondents was conducted to analyze and describe how COVID-19 impacted the employment of people with disabilities. Results: Out of 318 respondents with disabilities who were employed prior to the pandemic, 195 reported that their employment was impacted as a result of the pandemic. Specifically, 50.3% moved to work from home, 23.6% experienced a change in work hours and/or income, 22.6% were laid off or dismissed from employment, and 19.5% chose not to work due to personal or health reasons. Respondents described these impacts both positively and negatively. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic poses risks to the employment and economic well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide. There is a need for comprehensive, systemic, and collaborative systems of care to address the impacts on employment now and once the pandemic is over. © 2021 National Rehabilitation Association. All rights reserved.