Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted systemic disparities faced by people with disabilities (PwD). The PRE-RE-SyST model, derived from a scoping review and thematic analysis, offers a strategic framework for disability-inclusive pandemic responses and systemic disparities reduction. This model is crucial for practitioners in speech-language pathology and related fields, especially those involved in online therapy services like TinyEYE, to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
Understanding the PRE-RE-SyST Model
The PRE-RE-SyST model is built on four strategic levels:
- Respond: Immediate actions to prevent or reduce disability disparities during a pandemic.
- Prepare: Proactive planning for future crises to ensure disability-inclusive responses.
- Design: Creating systems and policies that inherently include disability considerations.
- Transform: Changing societal cultural assumptions about disability to foster inclusivity.
Implementing the Model in Practice
Practitioners can apply the PRE-RE-SyST model by integrating its strategies into their practice. Here are some actionable steps:
- Promote Rapid, Compassionate Responses: Ensure that infection control measures in care settings are both effective and empathetic. This involves training staff to maintain communication and emotional support for PwD, even when physical interactions are limited.
- Avoid Disability Discrimination: In healthcare resource allocation, ensure decisions are based on objective medical assessments rather than disability status. This helps prevent biases that could lead to unethical treatment of PwD.
- Develop Accommodations: Tailor clinical assessments and hospital practices to accommodate specific impairments. For instance, using virtual communication tools to facilitate interactions between medical staff and PwD.
- Provide Accessible Information: Ensure that public health information is accessible to all, including those with sensory or cognitive impairments. This can be achieved by incorporating sign language interpreters and accessible digital content.
Encouraging Further Research
While the PRE-RE-SyST model provides a comprehensive framework, continuous research is essential to refine these strategies. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of knowledge by exploring the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities during pandemics and identifying effective interventions.
Conclusion
Implementing the PRE-RE-SyST model can significantly enhance the quality of care provided to children with disabilities during pandemics. By adopting these strategies, practitioners can ensure that their services are inclusive, equitable, and effective. For a deeper understanding of the model and its implications, practitioners are encouraged to read the original research paper.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: PREparedness, REsponse and SySTemic transformation (PRE-RE-SyST): a model for disability-inclusive pandemic responses and systemic disparities reduction derived from a scoping review and thematic analysis.
