Pandemic Preparedness and Learning Disability

Aotearoa has agreed to uphold The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to protect the rights of disabled people. Article 11 of the UNCRPD says that the State (groups like the government) must make sure that disabled people are safe and protected during situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, like conflicts, natural disasters and pandemics.

Article 4.3 of the UNCRPD says that disabled people must be included in the planning and carrying out of policies (government rules) that relate to the UNCRPD or disabled people. To uphold the UNCRPD and make disabled people’s rights real, it is essential that disabled people, including people with a learning disability, are asked about their opinions during pandemic planning and action.

This project was designed by disability researchers and people with a learning disability. It will use frameworks (ways of understanding) like the UNCRPD to centre the experiences of people with a learning disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DBI talked to 5 people with a learning disability about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talked to 8 people who are family, whānau, aiga or close supporters of people with a learning disability, as well as to people who work in health and disability fields.

These interviews looked at the different experiences of people with a learning disability during the COVID-19 pandemic and looked at their living situations and context. The findings from this research will be used for education, to improve pandemic planning for people with a learning disability, and to promote the rights of people with a learning disability.

Associate Professor Brigit Mirfin-Veitch 

Dr. Kelly Tikao 

Jacinta Tevaga 

Dr. Solmaz Nazari 

Julia Young