Research

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14 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Impact of the First Wave of COVID-19 and Associated Lockdown Restrictions on Persons with Disabilities in 14 States of India

by Shailaja Tetali, Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Shilpa Sadanand, Melissa Glenda Lewis, Sara Varughese, Annie Hans and G. V. S. Murthy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811373 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1522

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of data to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India. About 27.4 million cases were reported as of 27 May 2021. The continuing pandemic in the form of subsequent waves is [...] Read more.

Background: There is a paucity of data to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India. About 27.4 million cases were reported as of 27 May 2021. The continuing pandemic in the form of subsequent waves is expected to have negative repercussions for the disabled globally, particularly in India, where access to health, rehabilitation, and social care services is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on PwDs in India. Objective: To determine the level of disruption due to COVID-19 and the associated countrywide lockdown restrictions on PwD in India during the first wave. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a representative sample of 403 persons with disabilities in 14 states in India during the COVID-19 first wave at two different points in time (Lockdown and post-lockdown phase). Factors associated with the negative impact were examined using the Chi-square test for associations. The paired comparisons between ‘lockdown’ with the ‘post-lockdown’ phase are presented using McNemar’s test and the marginal homogeneity test to compare the proportions. Additionally, a subsample of the participants in the survey was identified to participate in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gain in-depth insights on the study question and substantiate the quantitative findings. The framework approach was used to conduct a thematic analysis of the qualitative data. Results: About 60% of the PwDs found it difficult to access emergency medical services during the lockdown, and 4.6% post lockdown (p < 0.001). Likewise, 12% found it difficult to access rehabilitation services during the lockdown, and 5% post lockdown (p = 0.03). About 76% of respondents were apprehensive of the risk of infection during the lockdown, and this increased to 92% post lockdown (p < 0.001). Parents with children were significantly impacted due to lockdown in the areas of Medical (p = 0.007), Rehabilitation (p = 0.001), and Mental health services (p = 0.001). The results from the qualitative study supported these quantitative findings. PWDs felt that the lockdown restrictions had negatively impacted their productivity, social participation, and overall engagement in everyday activities. Access to medicines and rehabilitation services was felt to be extremely difficult and detrimental to the therapeutic benefits that were gained by them during the pre-pandemic time. None of the pandemic mitigation plans and services was specific or inclusive of PWDs. Conclusions: COVID-19 and the associated lockdown restrictions have negatively impacted persons with disabilities during the first wave in India. It is critical to mainstream disability within the agenda for health and development with pragmatic, context-specific strategies and programs in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

17 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Use of Washington Group Questions to Identify People with Clinical Impairments Who Need Services including Assistive Products: Results from Five Population-Based Surveys

by Dorothy Boggs, Hannah Kuper, Islay Mactaggart, Tess Bright, GVS Murthy, Abba Hydara, Ian McCormick, Natalia Tamblay, Matias L. Alvarez, Oluwarantimi Atijosan-Ayodele, Hisem Yonso, Allen Foster and Sarah Polack

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074304 - 03 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2312

Abstract

This study analyses the use of the self-reported Washington Group (WG) question sets as a first stage screening to identify people with clinical impairments, service and assistive product (AP) referral needs using different cut-off levels in four functional domains (vision, hearing, mobility and [...] Read more.

This study analyses the use of the self-reported Washington Group (WG) question sets as a first stage screening to identify people with clinical impairments, service and assistive product (AP) referral needs using different cut-off levels in four functional domains (vision, hearing, mobility and cognition). Secondary data analysis was undertaken using population-based survey data from five countries, including one national survey (The Gambia) and four regional/district surveys (Cameroon, Chile, India and Turkey). In total 19,951 participants were sampled (range 538–9188 in individual studies). The WG question sets on functioning were completed for all participants alongside clinical impairment assessments/questionnaires. Using the WG “some/worse difficulty” cut-off identified people with mild/worse impairments with variable sensitivity (44–79%) and specificity (73–92%) in three of the domains. At least 64% and 60% of people with mild/worse impairments who required referral for surgical/medical and rehabilitation/AP services, respectively, self-reported “some/worse difficulty”, and much fewer reported “a lot/worse difficulty.” For moderate/worse impairment, both screening cut-offs improved identification of service/AP need, but a smaller proportion of people with need were identified. In conclusion, WG questions could be used as a first-stage screening option to identify people with impairment and referral needs, but only with moderate sensitivity and specificity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

13 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of the Washington Group Questions in Non-Government Programming

by Alex Robinson, Liem Nguyen and Fleur Smith

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111143 - 23 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

The Washington Group questions (WGQ) on functioning have been widely promoted as the go-to tool for disability data collection. Designed for use by government, the WGQ have been adopted by non-government organizations (NGOs) for use in programming. However, little is known about how [...] Read more.

The Washington Group questions (WGQ) on functioning have been widely promoted as the go-to tool for disability data collection. Designed for use by government, the WGQ have been adopted by non-government organizations (NGOs) for use in programming. However, little is known about how the WGQs are being used by NGOs or how use may be contributing to disability inclusion. Method: This paper describes exploratory research on the use of the WGQ in NGO programming. An online survey provided an overview of adoption followed by semi-structured interviews from a purposive sample to explore data collection, analysis, and use. Results: Thematic analysis showed limited inclusion outcomes directly attributable to use of the WGQ, adoption driven by individual champions rather than systematically across organizations, and challenges in data collection resulting in a wide range of prevalence rates. What information the WGQ can realistically contribute to programs was also overestimated. However, the process of using the WGQ was raising awareness on disability inclusion within program teams and communities. Conclusion: Acknowledging differences in emerging use by NGOs beyond the WGQ’s intended purpose, alongside promoting a flexible and staged approach to adoption and use in programming, may improve utility and disability inclusion outcomes over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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17 pages, 3078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Digital Case Management Tool for Community Based Inclusive Development Program

by Manjula Marella, Donna Koolmees, Chandalin Vongvilay, Bernard Frank, Wesley Pryor and Fleur Smith

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 11000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182011000 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2894

Abstract

Disability inclusive development practices require reliable data to identify people with disabilities, their barriers to participation and support needs. Although several tools are available for measuring different components of disability, it is often difficult for program teams in low resource settings, including lay [...] Read more.

Disability inclusive development practices require reliable data to identify people with disabilities, their barriers to participation and support needs. Although several tools are available for measuring different components of disability, it is often difficult for program teams in low resource settings, including lay community workers of community based inclusive development (CBID) programs, to collect and analyze data for program monitoring and evaluation. This paper presents the development of a digital CBID Modular Tool with automated data analysis to support routine case management processes and monitoring of a CBID program in Laos PDR. The tool was developed in different phases involving stakeholder consultations, auditing of existing tools, content development for the different modules for disability assessment and support needs, software development and testing. The tool was developed in a participatory process including people with disabilities. The tool measures needs and support requirements of people with disabilities in health, functioning, economic, education and caregiver support domains, and enables intervention planning. The content included is both context specific and universal as derived from the widely used validated tools. This unique digital CBID Modular Tool can support data collection by lay community workers and support reliable data collection to measure disability inclusion in a development program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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12 pages, 580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disability Data Collection in a Complex Humanitarian Organisation: Lessons from a Realist Evaluation

by Claire F. O’Reilly, Louise Caffrey and Caroline Jagoe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10334; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910334 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3176

Abstract

In recent years, global attention to disability inclusion in humanitarian and development contexts, notably comprising disability inclusion within the Sustainable Development Goals, has significantly increased. As a result, UN agencies and programmes are increasingly seeking to understand and increase the extent to which [...] Read more.

In recent years, global attention to disability inclusion in humanitarian and development contexts, notably comprising disability inclusion within the Sustainable Development Goals, has significantly increased. As a result, UN agencies and programmes are increasingly seeking to understand and increase the extent to which persons with disabilities are accounted for and included in their efforts to provide life-saving assistance. To explore the effects and effectiveness of such measurement, this paper applies a complexity-informed, realist evaluation methodology to a case study of a single measurement intervention. This intervention, ‘A9’, was the first indicator designed to measure the number of persons with disabilities assisted annually by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). Realist logic of analysis combined with complexity theory was employed to generate context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOC’s) against which primary interviews and secondary data were analysed. We show that within the complexity of the WFP system, the roll-out of the A9 measurement intervention generated delayed, counter-intuitive and unanticipated effects. In turn, path dependency and emergent behaviours meant that the intervention mechanisms of yesterday were destined to become the implementation context of tomorrow. These findings challenge the current reliance on quantitative data within humanitarian-development disability inclusion efforts and contribute to our understanding of how data can best be leveraged to support inclusion in such contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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18 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Synthesis of Findings from ‘Rapid Assessments’ of Disability and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Response and Disability-Inclusive Data Collection

by Tessa Hillgrove, Jen Blyth, Felix Kiefel-Johnson and Wesley Pryor

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189701 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3849

Abstract

Introduction: People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disasters, including health emergencies, and responses are not always inclusive or accessible. Disability-inclusive response and recovery efforts require rapid, contextually relevant data, but little was known about either the experience of people with disabilities in [...] Read more.

Introduction: People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disasters, including health emergencies, and responses are not always inclusive or accessible. Disability-inclusive response and recovery efforts require rapid, contextually relevant data, but little was known about either the experience of people with disabilities in the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, or how rapid needs assessments were conducted. Methods: We reviewed the available results from rapid assessments of impacts of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries in Asia and the Pacific. Rapid assessment methods and questions were examined to describe the current approaches and synthesise results. Results: Seventeen surveys met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that people with disabilities experienced less access to health, education, and social services and increased violence. The most rapid assessments were conducted by or with disabled person’s organisations (DPOs). The rapid assessment methods were varied, resulting in heterogeneous data between contexts. Efforts to standardise data collection in disability surveys are not reflected in practice. Conclusions: Persons with disabilities were disproportionately impacted by the ‘first wave’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite complex implementation challenges and methodological limitations, persons with disabilities have led efforts to provide evidence to inform disability-inclusive pandemic responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

13 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Child Functioning Data with Learning and Support Needs Data to Create Disability-Identification Algorithms in Fiji’s Education Management Information System

by Beth Sprunt and Manjula Marella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179413 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2627

Abstract

Disability disaggregation of Fiji’s Education Management Information System (FEMIS) is required to determine eligibility for inclusive education grants. Data from the UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) alone is not accurate enough to identify disabilities for this purpose. This study explores whether combining [...] Read more.

Disability disaggregation of Fiji’s Education Management Information System (FEMIS) is required to determine eligibility for inclusive education grants. Data from the UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) alone is not accurate enough to identify disabilities for this purpose. This study explores whether combining activity and participation data from the CFM with data on environmental factors specific to learning and support needs (LSN) more accurately identifies children with disabilities. A survey on questions related to children’s LSN (personal assistance, adaptations to learning, or assessment and assistive technology) was administered to teachers within a broader diagnostic accuracy study. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to analyze relationships between functioning and LSN. While CFM data are useful in distinguishing between disability domains, LSN data are useful in strengthening the accuracy of disability severity data and, crucially, in identifying which children have disability amongst those reported as having some difficulty on the CFM. Combining activity and participation data from the CFM with environmental factors data through algorithms may increase the accuracy of domain-specific disability identification. Amongst children reported as having some difficulty on the CFM, those with disabilities are effectively identified through the addition of LSN data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

14 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Interrogating and Reflecting on Disability Prevalence Data Collected Using the Washington Group Tools: Results from Population-Based Surveys in Cameroon, Guatemala, India, Maldives, Nepal, Turkey and Vanuatu

by Islay Mactaggart, Ammar Hasan Bek, Lena Morgon Banks, Tess Bright, Carlos Dionicio, Shaffa Hameed, Shailes Neupane, GVS Murthy, Ahmed Orucu, Joseph Oye, Jonathan Naber, Tom Shakespeare, Andrea Patterson, Sarah Polack and Hannah Kuper

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179213 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3058

Abstract

The Washington Group (WG) tools capture self-reported functional limitations, ranging from 6 domains in the Short Set (SS) to 11 in the Extended Set (ESF). Prevalence estimates can vary considerably on account of differences between modules and the different applications of them. We [...] Read more.

The Washington Group (WG) tools capture self-reported functional limitations, ranging from 6 domains in the Short Set (SS) to 11 in the Extended Set (ESF). Prevalence estimates can vary considerably on account of differences between modules and the different applications of them. We compare prevalence estimates by WG module, threshold, application and domain to explore these nuances and consider whether alternative combinations of questions may be valuable in reduced sets. We conducted secondary analyses of seven population-based surveys (analyses restricted to adults 18+) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries that used the WG tools. The prevalence estimates using the SS standard threshold (a lot of difficulty or higher in one or more domain) varied between 3.2% (95% Confidence Interval 2.9–3.6) in Vanuatu to 14.1% (12.2–16.2) in Turkey. The prevalence was higher using the ESF than the SS, and much higher (5 to 10-fold) using a wider threshold of “some” or greater difficulty. Two of the SS domains (communication, self-care) identified few additional individuals with functional limitations. An alternative SS replacing these domains with the psychosocial domains of anxiety and depression would identify more participants with functional limitations for the same number of items. The WG tools are valuable for collecting harmonised population data on disability. It is important that the impact on prevalence of use of different modules, thresholds and applications is recognised. An alternative SS may capture a greater proportion of people with functional domains without increasing the number of items. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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12 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eye Health Service Uptake among People with Visual Impairment and Other Functional Difficulties in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study with Short-Term Follow Up

by Ruth Sanders, Ben Gascoyne, Paul Appleby, Syeda Asma Rashida and Emma Jolley

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9068; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179068 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2438

Abstract

People with visual impairments are disproportionately likely to also have other impairments. However, little is known about whether these other impairments affect access to eye health services. This study among cataract and refractive error patients in four districts in Bangladesh explores the relationship [...] Read more.

People with visual impairments are disproportionately likely to also have other impairments. However, little is known about whether these other impairments affect access to eye health services. This study among cataract and refractive error patients in four districts in Bangladesh explores the relationship between self-reported difficulties in hearing, mobility, self-care, communication and cognition domains, eye health service uptake, and location of initial eye health assessment. Cataract and refractive errors were diagnosed through ophthalmic clinical assessment, and the Washington Group Short Set (WG-SS) was used to ascertain difficulties in other functional domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between functional difficulties and uptake of cataract and refractive error services. We found that people with self-reported functional difficulties were less likely to take up refractive error services compared to people with same need but with no functional difficulties, and that they were more than twice as likely to access surgical services after attending an outreach camp compared with a hospital facility. Since a high proportion of people attending eye health assessment services have difficulties in a range of functional domains, strategies to improve the uptake of hospital-based health services are urgently required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

19 pages, 906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lessons from Disability Counting in Ecuador, with a Contribution from Primary Health Care

by Inge Debrouwere, Pedro Celestino Álvarez Vera, Ximena del Carmen Pavón Benítez, Celia Katherine Rosero Arboleda, Peter Prinzie and Jo Lebeer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105103 - 12 May 2021

Viewed by 2039

Abstract

Disability data are essential for policy. Yet, the predominant use of disability prevalence for service planning reflects dichotomous counting, increasingly less compatible with current disability thinking. Difficulties relate to variations in rates, the lack of matching with needs, and the use of prevalence [...] Read more.

Disability data are essential for policy. Yet, the predominant use of disability prevalence for service planning reflects dichotomous counting, increasingly less compatible with current disability thinking. Difficulties relate to variations in rates, the lack of matching with needs, and the use of prevalence to compare disability situations. From the perspective of Primary Health Care (PHC), we explore methods for disability counting regarding the usefulness of prevalences in identifying persons with disabilities and meeting their needs with local service implementation. First, we analyze the methods and results of six national cross-sectional studies in Ecuador. Then, we present a case about an exploratory needs-driven method for disability counting in a local PHC setting. The analysis of variations in rates focuses the attention on reasons for and risks of a priori exclusion of persons with disabilities from services. Longitudinal disability counting as a collateral result of meeting needs in the PHC setting yields local disability data worthy of further exploration. Thinking about disability counting from a PHC scope in a developing country prompted reflection on the comparison of prevalences to evaluate disability situations. Findings invite further exploration of the needs-driven counting method, its contributions to planning local services, and complementarity with cross-sectional disability counting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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12 pages, 1565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using WHODAS 2.0 to Assess Functional Impairment in People with Depression: Should Employment Receive More Attention?

by Yu-Chen Chiang, Tsan-Hon Liou, Hsin-Chien Lee and Reuben Escorpizo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094552 - 25 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental disorder which causes public health burden and personal disabilities. In people with mental illness, unemployment is an index character of functional impairment. Methods: Using the Taiwan Databank of Persons with Disability (TDPD), we [...] Read more.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental disorder which causes public health burden and personal disabilities. In people with mental illness, unemployment is an index character of functional impairment. Methods: Using the Taiwan Databank of Persons with Disability (TDPD), we collected the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) scores for people with MDD-associated disability. We recorded and analyzed the scores of participants during a 3-year period to determine the impact of employment on the trajectory of functional change. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the association between employment and changes in WHODAS 2.0 scores. Results: In people with MDD-associated disability, unemployed individuals present a worse function initially compared to employed individuals. After a 3-year period, the employed group showed a significant functional improvement in the domains of cognition, mobility, and participation. In logistic regression, the odds of having functional improvement were twice as high for those who were employed compared with those who were not. Conclusions: Higher odds of having functional improvement were noted in participants who stay in employment. Programs and strategies to help people with MDD-associated disability resume work warrant more clinical attention and supportive policies from the government. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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22 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Disability Inclusion: Feasibility of Using Existing Multidimensional Poverty Data in South Africa

by Marguerite Schneider and Helen Suich

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094431 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2320

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for measuring disability inclusion in order to examine the associations between disability severity and levels of inclusion, provides an example of its operationalization, and assesses the feasibility of using an existing dataset to measure disability inclusion using this [...] Read more.

This paper presents a framework for measuring disability inclusion in order to examine the associations between disability severity and levels of inclusion, provides an example of its operationalization, and assesses the feasibility of using an existing dataset to measure disability inclusion using this framework. Inclusion here refers to the extent to which people with disabilities are accepted and recognized as individuals with authority, enjoy personal relationships, participate in recreation and social activities, have appropriate living conditions, are able to make productive contributions, and have required formal and informal support. Indicators for the operationalization were drawn from the Individual Deprivation Measure South Africa country study and were mapped on to the domains of inclusion (where relevant), and the Washington Group Short Set of questions were used to determine disability status (no, mild, or moderate/severe disability). The analysis indicates that individuals with disabilities experience generally worse outcomes and a comparative lack of inclusion compared to individuals without disabilities, and broadly that those with moderate or severe disabilities experience worse outcomes than those with mild disabilities. This analysis also provides insight into the limitations of using existing datasets for different purposes from their original design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

Review

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9 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of and Government Planning and Responses to Pandemics for People with Disability: A Rapid Review

by Adyya Gupta, Anne Kavanagh and George Disney

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126505 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

Objective—To collate evidence on (1) the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and (2) government responses and pandemic plans for people with disability. Methods—Through two rapid reviews, relevant peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published [...] Read more.

Objective—To collate evidence on (1) the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and (2) government responses and pandemic plans for people with disability. Methods—Through two rapid reviews, relevant peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published from 2002 onwards in the English language were identified. Data were synthesised narratively. Results—Aim 1: Of the 680 studies, two studies were included in the review. No grey literature was eligible for inclusion. The evidence regarding risk was inconclusive. Aim 2: Of the 50 studies, three peer-review studies, along with four government reports were included. The literature largely reported on measures being taken to maximise the prevention of transmission of COVID-19 for the general population, with only a few programs including people with disability. Conclusion—Overall, there is inconclusive evidence on the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and the government preparedness and planning for disease outbreaks and/or pandemics largely exclude people with disability. From a population health perspective, during disease outbreaks and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the general population, it is important for governments to include people with disability in their pandemic planning and response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Disability and Disability Inclusive Development)

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