ABSTRACT
There is evidence that persons with disabilities (PWDs) continue to encounter barriers globally;such barriers impede their participation and inclusion in society. In developing countries such as Ghana, the effects of the barriers could be profound because of attitudes that are deeply rooted in Ghanaian sociocultural beliefs and practices. Although these attitudes marginalize persons with disabilities, stigma, and discrimination against persons with disabilities, have a further impact on familial support systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the weak familial support systems for persons with disabilities. Lockdowns, social distancing, physical distancing, hygiene, and health practices are among the safety measures taken against the impact of this pandemic, which affects individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, the government of Ghana's COVID-19 response strategy adopted by several community organizations are not disability inclusive. The chapter explores the challenges faced by persons with physical and psychosocial disabilities within Ghanaian society in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we explore the risk factors and how they impact persons with disabilities. We seek to learn more about which groups of persons with disabilities are more vulnerable, the coping strategies adopted by persons with disabilities, and the measures that the government could adopt to better address the needs of persons with disabilities. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.
ABSTRACT
There is evidence that persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers in society globally, which impede on their participation and inclusion. In Ghana, the effects of the barriers could be profound because of attitudes that are deeply rooted in Ghanaian socio-cultural beliefs and practices. The lockdowns, social distancing, physical distancing, hygiene and health practices are among safety measures against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affects individuals, families, businesses, institutions and communities. Persons with disabilities are less likely to be employed, but more likely to lose their jobs. The majority work in vulnerable employment, characterised by low income, lack of job security and job-related benefits. Both categories of workers with disabilities are more likely to lose their jobs in the COVID-19 era, which could further worsen their income and savings and their economic resilience. Inadequate social protection, healthcare benefits and familial support, coupled with disability-related expenses, could add layers to the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities noted to be among the poorest of the poor. The Ghana government COVID-19 response strategy, unfortunately, does not specifically address the needs of persons with disabilities. The vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations to better address their needs are explored in this paper. © National Association of Social Workers-Zimbabwe/Author(s).