This pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another. People around the world have lost their jobs, loved ones, and their normal way of life. People suddenly had to turn their homes into offices and schools. Life as we knew it changed overnight and caused a lot of anxiety. There have been a lot of changes in a short time.
My life for the most part has not changed. I am privileged enough to have my roommate as my personal care attendant so we were able to quarantine together. We wear masks when we are outside, and I stay in the house for the recommended two weeks at a time whenever I go somewhere. I work from home.
A few weeks after the first lockdown started last year, I received a letter from my local Department of Human Services office. The letter listed all of the common practices that we have such as social distancing whenever possible, masks, gloves and frequently washing your hands. It also encouraged that all clients have a backup aide in case of any illness. The troubling thing was that they mentioned the client should keep cans of food in their home that they could open if your Care Attendant would pass away because they would not be able to send out a replacement.
I'm happy to report that they now offer sick leave to the Personal Care Attendance and the price of PPE has become more affordable. I hope the options for remote work stay in place. I hope education continues to be flexible when offering course options for online classes. It's important to allow everyone to live their life to the fullest, even if you need a little more assistance.
Unfortunately, a global pandemic spurred these changes, but hopefully, we can move forward from this into an era of accessibility for all.
Photo by renatako courtesy of Pixabay
Stephanie Wyatt has Cerebral Palsy and uses a manual wheelchair. She spends her free time hanging out with her best friend Carmen and her dog Ama Angelica.
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