A survey conducted by the EVARA Foundation, Dashamlav and We Capable has revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impact on persons with disabilities. The total pool of the survey includes more than 2,000 respondents.
The study reveals that almost 75 per cent of persons with disabilities are living with emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. The report reveals “nearly 43.6% of the total respondents of the present survey are not sharing their problems or emotional state with anyone”.
The report finds 64 percent of people with disabilities have also faced financial crises, with nearly 60 percent of them having zero income.
For those who were employed or were looking for employment, the pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works. Many have spoken about either losing their jobs or severe business losses owing to the pandemic, and have lost job opportunities as well.
“This study tells us the real picture of the state of persons with disabilities in India. The authorities have a lot to do in order to ensure that persons with disabilities in India get their rights as enshrined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016 and other government schemes. COVID-19 and lockdown have worsened the already very difficult situation of persons with disabilities.” said Lalit Kumar, chairman of EVARA Foundation and founder of Dashamlav.
