Understanding the Barriers
The study highlights five overarching themes that hindered PWDs from accessing education and healthcare during the pandemic:- Educational and Healthcare Services Amid COVID-19: Service providers struggled to maintain their offerings due to financial constraints, disrupted online services, and lack of governmental support.
- Recipients’ Reflections: Many PWDs and their families faced increased stress and anxiety due to inadequate support and the additional burden of assisting with online learning.
- Information Technology Accessibility: Limited knowledge and use of digital accessibility features hampered effective online education for PWDs.
- Emotional and Mental Wellbeing: The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues among PWDs and their families, highlighting the need for accessible mental health support.
- Medical Care Facilities: Inaccessible healthcare services and lack of proper documentation of PWDs affected their ability to receive necessary medical care.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
To address these barriers, practitioners can implement the following strategies:- Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Work with local and national authorities to develop and implement inclusive policies that consider the unique needs of PWDs during emergencies.
- Enhance Digital Literacy: Provide training for educators and families on using digital accessibility features to ensure that online learning is effective for all students.
- Foster Parental Engagement: Develop resources and support systems to help parents assist their children with disabilities during online learning, reducing their stress and improving educational outcomes.
- Expand Mental Health Services: Offer accessible mental health services tailored to the needs of PWDs and their families to address the increased emotional strain caused by the pandemic.
- Improve Healthcare Accessibility: Collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure that medical facilities and information are accessible to PWDs, and advocate for better documentation and tracking of their health needs.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is essential to continue improving services for PWDs. Practitioners are encouraged to:- Conduct local needs assessments to identify specific barriers and solutions within their communities.
- Collaborate with researchers to develop evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of PWDs.
- Share successful strategies and outcomes with the broader community to foster collective learning and improvement.
By implementing these recommendations and continuing to engage in research, practitioners can significantly enhance the educational and healthcare experiences of children with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Impact of COVID-19 on the education and healthcare services of persons with disabilities in Lebanon
