Pandemic Disparities Inititiative

Purpose of the Initiative

Throughout the pandemic, people with disabilities, especially those from marginalized racial and ethnic minority groups and rural communities faced inequities and a lack of support services during COVID-19. People with disabilities faced barriers to accessible information (Braille, Multicultural, etc.), access to testing, and necessary accommodations, and were at increased risk for mortality due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 response plans did not adequately respond to the needs of the disability community.

The purpose of the initiative is to bring together disability stakeholders and healthcare provider stakeholders to discuss the COVID-19 disparities in the disability community. We will develop an accessible media campaign to educate on mitigation efforts on COVID-19. We will report to the PA Department of Health, Findings, and Recommendations: COVID-19 Health Disparities Among the Disability Community.