ABSTRACT
Covid-19 which has started to spread to Malaysia in 2020 has changed the lifestyle of the people in terms of economic, social and environmental. The new living norms introduced have changed lives and have stunted the economic growth of the country especially when many companies have closed their businesses. An impact from the movement control order (MCO) implemented has an impact on the employment sector. This is because, many employment sectors had to be closed in an effort to help the government curb the spread of COVID-19 from continuing to spread in the community. Most companies, business operations, private organizations and the government were shut down immediately during MCO, which has resulted in many companies not being able to cover their expenses, causing companies to lay off employees. Although it affects everyone but the disabled are more impressed with the limitations they have experienced before. The purpose of this study is to find out the perception of persons with disabilities (PwDs) on the potential of upgrading the accessibility of private premises to be PwDs friendly as a physical stimulus for the development of PwDs businesses and small enterprises. Therefore, this study uses an exploratory mixed method design approach by starting the study by reviewing the documents related to government financial assistance and subsequently distributing the survey form. The conclusion of this study will highlight the perceptions of PWDs in the field of entrepreneurship in physical premises and government financial assistance that has been provided before and during the pandemic in Malaysia.
ABSTRACT
The research aims to explore COVID-19 health and safety protocol impacts on companion animal guardians living with (dis)abilities relating to veterinary medical and behavioral service access. The COVID-19 global public health crisis has impacted almost all international communities; however, vulnerable and marginalized groups have been disproportionately affected. Within the human-companion animal domain, COVID-19-driven societal impacts (e.g., social, health, and economic) not only boomed with new companion animal guardians, but also negatively influenced guardians' access to veterinary services. Although studies have examined guardian-related COVID-19-specific challenges, there is a paucity of concentration on vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs). Responding to this research deficit, this study recruited twelve companion animal guardians to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews, and eight (67%) of the twelve participants self-identified as PWDs. From a PWD perspective, this research reveals three pandemic-triggered primary barriers, preventing PWDs from pursuing veterinary services: (1) service affordability, (2) assistance program feasibility, and (3) veterinary service accessibility. This article argues that PWD-driven approaches could improve existing assistance and support programs to address PWDs' unique requirements, promoting a healthy human-animal bond.