In a country that is supposed to be fair and equal, there are now minority groups who are institutionalised, marginalised in the pandemic. Please spare a thought for those who aren’t, because of lifting restrictions.

Why are we not hearing from disabled groups?

Why are we not hearing from disabled groups lobbying, so their members can play an active part in society instead of them having to continue to self-isolate? Where are the voices looking after people with disabilities and the vulnerable, whose rights and interests have been adversely affected by lifting restrictions?

Why do we not we hear about groups, lobbying for those interests, as lifting measures has widened and deepened the exclusion of disabled and the vulnerable from society? It is incredulous that politicians in the UK, sit back and do nothing.

Scope’s Coronavirus Disability Report findings are:

“Half of disabled people (46%) say they have had issues getting essential items;

63% of disabled people are concerned they won’t get the hospital treatment they need if they become ill with coronavirus;

Over a quarter 28% feel forgotten or ignored by the government;

A quarter of disabled people 26% say they have faced negative attitudes from other shoppers;

Nearly 9 in 10 disabled adults (86%) reported they are very worried or somewhat worried about the effect the pandemic is having on their lives;

6 out of 10 disabled people (59%) are currently not leaving their homes;

More than a third of disabled people (38.5%) feel extremely concerned about their mental health and wellbeing if they need to self-isolate for more than 3 months;

40% are extremely concerned about making medical appointments if they have to self-isolate for more than 3 months.” (https://www.scope.org.uk)

Reduced independence and anxiety are also cited as being an issue. Three months has now turned into years. I am part of the 86% very worried about the effect the pandemic is having on my life. It is why I write about it so much on my blog. I am ‘home.’ My life is now centered around my home.

The findings are stark and yet nothing is being done about it. It is not enough for charities to write about the stats and not lobby the Government, to effect change for those who need them to. It’s a human basic right.

Forced to stay in our homes to keep safe

With lifting restrictions, I like many thousands of disabled people are now institutionalised, cut off from society. I still ask myself the question how can this be? Without us realising, disabled people are now marginalised and institutionalised. But we all have the right to be able to live our lives.

Feeling exposed

I have never felt so unsafe and exposed, as I do today, having to navigate the pandemic, living with a disability and with no restrictions to keep me safe. Also, feeling hemmed in and locked-up is difficult and continues to make me feel anxious; not knowing when I can comfortably and safely get back into my life.

Trying to find an acceptance

I would like to think I can find an acceptance on most things, but how do you get your head around the fact that you deal with a disability and through lifting restrictions, you are home?