Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Responses on Persons with Disabilities Including Psychosocial Disabilities in the Global South: The Case of Ghana

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.