The Impact of and Government Planning and Responses to Pandemics for People with Disability: A Rapid Review

Abstract

Objective—To collate evidence on (1) the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and (2) government responses and pandemic plans for people with disability. Methods—Through two rapid reviews, relevant peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published from 2002 onwards in the English language were identified. Data were synthesised narratively. Results—Aim 1: Of the 680 studies, two studies were included in the review. No grey literature was eligible for inclusion. The evidence regarding risk was inconclusive. Aim 2: Of the 50 studies, three peer-review studies, along with four government reports were included. The literature largely reported on measures being taken to maximise the prevention of transmission of COVID-19 for the general population, with only a few programs including people with disability. Conclusion—Overall, there is inconclusive evidence on the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and the government preparedness and planning for disease outbreaks and/or pandemics largely exclude people with disability. From a population health perspective, during disease outbreaks and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the general population, it is important for governments to include people with disability in their pandemic planning and response.

Disability, Human Resources and Behavioral Economics: The Labour Inclusion Case of Ilunion Hotels of the Costa del Sol (Spain)

“…People with disabilities problems and their relationship with social exclusion, labour market and human resources are issues that have been increasingly studied in recent years, highlighting the work of [1,7,10,23,35,36] or [37], among others.…”

“…According to [5,6], this situation is similar in the main European countries, also related to low employment rates. Further, the problem may be getting even worse as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, with high impact for people with disabilities [7].…”

Special Employment Centres, Time Factor and Sustainable Human Resources Management in Spanish Hotel Industry: Can Corporate Social Marketing Improve the Labour Situation of People with Disabilities?

“…Thus, it is observed that these innovative programs create opportunities for social inclusion, showing the participants more confidence and independence (highlighting the importance of developing early vocational socialization programs) [84]. 16 USA 2020…”

“…People with disabilities (PWD) have to face an even worse situation. The current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting PWD more negatively [15,16]. This group starts from a situation weighed down by a series of stigmas, prejudices in the perception and discrimination of the rest of the population [17][18][19][20].…”

“…This group starts from a situation weighed down by a series of stigmas, prejudices in the perception and discrimination of the rest of the population [17][18][19][20]. This situation exacerbates their precariousness [16].…”