Author: Toby Pindus

Do you know somebody who is disabled or lives alone?

Do you know someone who relies on the help of others to do daily tasks?

Do you know someone whose life has drastically changed because of Covid-19?

There is a likely chance that you do, and many of these people are in need of help. With the rise in Covid-19 throughout the US, many people look at how the country is affected as a whole and the effects it has had on the economy, daily activities, going to restaurants among other impacts on society. However, viewing how society as a whole is impacted has caused many to turn away from how marginalized groups have been affected. Among these marginalized groups are those with mental and physical disabilities.

Those with disabilities are inherently at a higher risk of becoming severely ill or receiving an infection from Covid-19. Those with intellectual and developmental disorders such as down syndrome, microcephaly, and other chromosomal anomalies are three times more likely to die upon exposure to Covid-19. Furthermore, many who are trapped in a wheelchair or have limited mobility are unable to avoid close contact when receiving help from others as they often rely on people to be within their residence to help.

This leaves one solution for those who are in a compromised position, quarantine. However, this comes at the expense of many other basic human needs such as socializing, receiving proper help, and exercise. Those with disabilities trapped within their homes are unable to receive help that they desperately need. For these people morale is down, expenses are rising, and without volunteer help their hope is being drained. But we need to remind them that there is hope; those with disabilities need our help and there are actions we can take to help:

1. Make a phone call, check in with someone you know. Social interaction is a basic human need and we all deserve the right to have it. Do a social distance get together, even a few minutes of social interaction makes a huge difference!

2. Nothing makes someone's day like a gift. Order something the person will appreciate, it does not need to be extravagant, even a gift card will suffice.

3. If you notice or see someone display suicidal intentions on social media or in-person please give them a call. We are all struggling together, but some need help more than others. With an increase in suicide rates in 2020, we need to be there for each other. Your words may save someone's life

4. Volunteer your services to help clean the house of someone who is disabled or hire someone to do so, an extra hand around the house would mean the world for them.

5. Donate to the Plus One Foundation; our job is to help those with neurological and physical disabilities. We will ensure the money we receive will be used to help those who need it. Volunteer with the Plus One Foundation, we are always looking for more hands and heads to help execute projects and support those in need.