1992 is when the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was announced and held every year after on the 3rd of December. United Nations lead this observance day and hope those contributing do so in celebration through learning and action. In this blog, we will discuss ways to join in the celebrations in a COVID-friendly way.

A Reflection on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020

Last year's theme was an important one and something many of us hadn't cast much thought upon, "Not All Disabilities Are Visible". The theme made people worldwide re-evaluate the stereotypes that stem from the term disabled. Thanks to this campaign, autism, hearing impairments, or conditions that affect the brain, neurological system, and mental health became widely recognized in terms of disability.

What is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Theme 2021

We are happy the Coronavirus pandemic is leveling out to a form of normalcy. With this year's theme at the forefront of our minds, 'Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era." We can take a deep look into supporting disabled people following the global pandemic.

How Can We Help the Disabled In This Post-COVID World

To best understand how we can support those with disabilities, we have taken a look at the Government's statistics regarding the disabled and how they feel post-COVID.

Mental Health and the Disabled Post COVID

People with disabilities have stated that their mental health has been negatively affected by Coronavirus, and they are having feelings of anxiety, boredom, stress, and loneliness. Almost half of the disabled population reported feeling lonely as an effect of the pandemic, which is significant.

So how can we help? A great way to combat many of the above feelings is by talking about them to others. Some great listeners and advice-givers include family members, friends, or professionals. Verbalizing problems decreases stress levels and opens up the room for conversation and discussion, relieving anxiety and stress.

24% of UK disabled people stated they hadn't spoken to anyone about their worries.

Healthcare and the Disabled Post COVID

40% of disabled people have stated that access to healthcare for non-Coronavirus-related issues has been affected. It's an ambiguous statement, covering many areas from travel to treatment by healthcare professionals at hospitals and GP practices.

So how can we help? If you are a healthcare professional, make sure you positively impact any patient and provide the correct information to allow the individual to seek proper treatment. For anyone who has a disabled relative or friend, make sure they have access to transport and can make their appointments. There are online portals to order online prescriptions, so helping them set up an account can give the disabled person a means of acquiring medication without mobility barriers.

Shopping and the Disabled Post COVID

It is our fundamental human right to have access to water, food, and other essentials, and this is an area some people with disabilities are finding tricky. 27% of disabled people have stated that having access to groceries, medications, and other essentials have been affected by the Coronavirus.

So how can we help? When shopping and being generally out and about, be mindful of others, and keep your 2m distance to make others feel safe in the store. If you have a disabled friend or relative, ask if they need any assistance. If they do not feel comfortable leaving the house, create an online groceries order or help them order goods online. Assess where the disabled person needs additional help and find ways to make this practical and safe.

 

Coronavirus has affected us all but has taken a toll on some of society more so than others. We need to come together as we did for the NHS and make sure that we as a community are inclusive and accessible to all people no matter their circumstances.

Many products on the market can improve the lives of those with disabilities. At Tenura, we have a range of disability aids that can help in all areas of life. We are offering you a 10% discount to support the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021.

You can redeem the code at checkout, receiving 10% off Tenura products such as:

• Tenura bottle and jar openers, these nifty gadgets are grip-enhancing and make removing lids from containers easier and more comfortable. They are perfect for anyone with weak grip strength.
• Tenura non-slip bath stickers once applied to your bath or shower. They add a non-slip layer that reduces the risk of slips and falls in a frequently wet and notoriously slippy area of the home. These bath stickers are the solution for people needing mobility assistance in the bathroom.
• Tenura table mats work well as placemats or on dinner trays to stop plates from sliding. For people with Parkinson's, hand tremors can make carrying a tray tricky but making sure the objects on the tray won't slide can be helpful.
• Tenura floor mats, you can place them around the home, anywhere you need to add non-slip properties, for example, near your couch to give you a better foothold when standing or sitting down, you can use them in tandem with mobility aids such as walking sticks or wheelchairs.

Use code IDOPWD10 for 10% off the whole Tenura range (valid until 01/12/21).