Challenges facing Hong Kong's intellectually disabled people in using public services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Points of interest The needs of disabled people are often insufficiently recognized by mainstream society, causing this population to be excluded from society and activities of daily life. This problem is clearly reflected in the obstacles that intellectually disabled people have encountered in their use of public services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative study, we conducted focus group sessions with 17 social workers and 12 carers supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong. Using a thematic analysis, we found that (a) the social-emotional needs of intellectually disabled people were intensified by the disruption of social services;(b) they received limited benefit from the use of video conferencing services;and (c) they encountered significant difficulties in complying with preventive measures. To achieve equity in public service, universal design should be emphasized during the planning stage, and the experiences of disabled people should be carefully considered from the outset. Intellectually disabled people in Hong Kong experienced more difficulties using public services during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic. Apart from the social model of disability and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, critical disability theory can explain how society protects the rights of disabled persons pertaining to social participation. A sole emphasis on equality fails to facilitate effective planning of public services that address the needs of intellectually disabled people;the notion of equity must also be emphasized. The concept of universal design, which is often discussed in the context of the physical environment, can be meaningfully applied to the design of public services to alleviate problems of exclusion faced by disabled population. Policymakers and service providers must improve their awareness and knowledge of the distinct needs of intellectually disabled people. Intellectually disabled people in Hong Kong experienced more difficulties using public services during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic.Apart from the social model of disability and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, critical disability theory can explain how society protects the rights of disabled persons pertaining to social participation.A sole emphasis on equality fails to facilitate effective planning of public services that address the needs of intellectually disabled people;the notion of equity must also be emphasized.The concept of universal design, which is often discussed in the context of the physical environment, can be meaningfully applied to the design of public services to alleviate problems of exclusion faced by disabled population.Policymakers and service providers must improve their awareness and knowledge of the distinct needs of intellectually disabled people. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Disability & Society is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

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