Tackling Health Challenges: Safeguarding People with Disabilities

This article was brought to you by NYS workers’ compensation lawyers at Markhoff & Mittman P.C.

In times of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vital to understand and tackle the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Let’s break down a recent study by economist David A. Weaver, a retired federal employee, shedding light on the impact of COVID-19 on this community and urging the government to take action.

Unveiling the Impact

Weaver’s study reveals that COVID-19 hit people with disabilities hard, especially in places like New York City. Those in institutions, such as nursing homes, faced significantly higher risks of death compared to the previous year. People with disabilities have various impairments, making their risk factors for severe outcomes from any virus complex. Weaver emphasizes the need to recognize this diversity to better protect this community.

Communication Gap

Current government messages often overlook the diverse nature of disabilities, leaving some individuals unaware of their heightened danger. Weaver points out the importance of using language that explicitly warns individuals about the severe outcomes of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Weaver suggests a reasonable solution: directly communicating with individuals through the Social Security Administration (SSA). People with disabilities receiving benefits from SSA programs can be reached through direct mail, providing clear information about vaccines and treatments. This personalized approach is considered more effective and inclusive than general online and social media communications.

Recognizing Health Disparities

Weaver urges the government to embrace the recent designation by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that acknowledges persons with disabilities as a group with “health disparities.” This designation aims to fund research on how disability, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status intersect to produce poor health outcomes. To empower researchers, Weaver suggests releasing additional data, such as race information, from SSA’s internal Disability Analysis File. This move could fuel research in universities, think tanks, and public policy organizations.

The Call for Inclusive Action

Weaver recommends creating an Aged Analysis File by SSA for its programs serving aged Americans. This file, built on existing data, could shed light on specific health challenges within the aged population, assisting congressional efforts.

Weaver’s research emphasizes the need for a thorough and targeted approach in addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities during health emergencies. From improving communication strategies to providing accessible data for research, the government’s role is pivotal in ensuring the well-being of this vulnerable population.

Legal Options for Disabled Individuals Impacted by Heath Crisis

At Markhoff & Mittman PC, we recognize the unique legal hurdles faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Disabled individuals may explore potential legal options, such as applying for Social Security Disability benefits, especially given the health disparities highlighted by recent research. If a disability has been worsened or caused by the health crisis, pursuing a Social Security Disability claim is imperative. Our experienced team can also assist in personal injury cases for those who may have suffered harm due to negligence during the pandemic. To provide support beyond legal representation, we offer information on free resources that disabled individuals in New York can utilize, ensuring they have the necessary assistance to navigate the complexities arising from health crises and secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

It’s crucial for those affected to take a look at all legal avenues, and our dedicated firm specializes in workers’ compensation, social security disability, immigration, and personal injury accident cases, offering a broad array of services. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to guide you through the legal options available to protect your interests.

Source:

The US isn’t doing enough for disabled people — COVID proves it | The Hill