COVID-19 Worsens Prospects for People With Disabilities: U of G Prof
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened lives for many people with disabilities, says a University of Guelph professor who hopes her new research report will push Ottawa and provincial governments to improve income and support policies.
The pandemic has disproportionately affected Canadians with disabilities, reduced access to services and supports, and widened systemic inequities, said Dr. Deborah Stienstra, a professor in the Department of Political Science and director of U of G’s Live Work Well Research Centre.
Stienstra shared details of the report on the COVID-19 impact and the effects of federal government measures in response to the pandemic during last month’s annual Disability and Work in Canada Conference. She also spoke to the Toronto Star about her findings.
December 3 marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under this year’s theme of “Fighting for Rights in the Post-COVID Era.” Approximately one in five Canadians live with disabilities, said Stienstra, who holds the Jarislowsky Chair in Families and Work.
Dr. Deborah Stienstra
U of G researchers conducted the study to help Employment and [...]