Extending an equitable COVID-19 response to the disabled individuals

The ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected everyone, but the impact is relatively higher among people who are vulnerable, such as disabled, refugee, migrants, elderly, and suffering from preexisting illness. The disabled people are more at the risk of acquisition of infection owing to the limited access to the public health messaging and the fact that if they are subjected to physical distancing, they will find it extremely difficult to survive as they depend on their caregivers for their routine activities. In these difficult times, it is of utmost importance that disabled persons should minimize the probability of exposure to COVID-19, and for this to happen, the government, disability service providers, caregivers, and the local community have to play an important role. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has started to threaten and increase the disparities of care and services for the disabled individuals. It is the need of the hour to ensure that COVID-19-related services are offered to disabled people in a dignified manner without jeopardizing their human rights.