My university is planning to open for the Fall semester. While I am at a point in my graduate program where I do not have to go into the office, the thread below provides an example of what may happen if I (a person w/ a #Disability) was not allowed to work remotely

1/9

When I first come in, I often catch up with one of my colleagues in his office. While we do practice social distancing and always wear masks, this particular morning, I drop the bandana that I use to wipe the drool from my mouth.

2/9

My colleague picks my bandana up without thinking. And because he is asymptomatic, neither of us realize that I now have #COVID19 from my bandana.

3/9

I go back to my own office, where my personal care attendant (PCA) is waiting for me. While we both take precautions, the transmission of #COVID19 is almost inevitable, due the fact that I need her assistance with feeding, restrooming, and other personal activities.

4/9

In the afternoon, I have a meeting with one of my advisors in her office. While she is relatively healthy and probably would not experience the worst symptoms of #COVID19...

5/9

... my transmission of the disease to her will mean that she has a risk of giving it to our other colleagues, who do have multiple chronic conditions and have a weak immune system.

6/9

At the end of the day, I return home, where my only source of care is from my mother, who is over 65. My PCA also lives with her parents, who are both in their 80s and have multiple chronic conditions. And all three of these individuals will get #COVID19 because of me.

7/9

Optimistically, I would have only placed three or four people I care about in the hospital, including my mom. But it's very possible that more people could end up in the hospital because of my choice to come into work.

8/9

My point is that social distancing will save lives, especially for people with #Disabilities and their loved ones. Don't we have enough blood on our hands already?

9/9