Disabled people must be a focus of Covid inquiry

• Almost two thirds (61%) of disabled people say that there should be an inquiry into the support disabled people have received during the pandemic, according to new research conducted by the national disability charity, Sense.
• The Prime Minister has announced that there will be a public inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic in Spring 2022
• Sense is calling on the government to prioritise disabled people who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
• Two in five (40%) disabled people believe their needs have not been prioritised by the Government during the pandemic.

12 May 2021 – Almost two thirds (61%) of disabled people believe there should be an inquiry into the support disabled people have received during pandemic, according to a new survey by the disability charity, Sense.

The prime minister has announced that a public inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic in spring 2022, and Sense is calling for the experience of disabled people to be a focus of it.

The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on the lives of disabled people. According to the ONS, disabled people account for almost six in 10 (59 per cent) of all deaths involving coronavirus, while making up 22 per cent of the population. At the same time, vital social care support has been reduced, which has meant many disabled people have been unable to do basic chores such as leave the house, eat, wash themselves, socialise or attend essential medical appointments. 

2 in 5 (40%) disabled people believe that disabled people and their needs have not been prioritised by the Government during the pandemic.

Richard Kramer, Sense Chief Executive, said:

“The experience of disabled people must be at the heart of any inquiry into the handling of this crisis.

“We have to investigate the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on disabled people and the decisions and policies of the Government and public authorities.

“Never again should disabled people have to experience the lack of information, support and consideration that they have in the last year.

“We must learn from the mistakes of the last year and ensure disabled people are no longer and will never again be treated like second class citizens.”