THREAD: As requested, here's my slides on 'Covid-19 & Young Disabled People', from my talk with @Aberdeen_Youth!

It was a very interesting discussion, w/ topics such as the #SunflowerLanyard & the unique experience of rural disabled young people

Thanks again for inviting me!

1) Quick Facts about Disability.

To provide some context to the disabled community in Scotland pre-Covid.

Not all disabled people prefer IFL, so always consider personal preferences, but the vast majority of us view our neurology/disability as an integral part of ourselves!

2) Everyone has found Covid-19 tough; I don't mean to undermine the struggles others have faced

However, disabled young people have faced unique challenges, due to the multiple layers of oppression and stigma that they face.

Let's talk about some of those issues!

3) Shielding

The advice has been to keep 2m apart. But, how can you distance from guides or caregivers?

Shielding has also caused concerns in getting food - online shopping fails to prioritise us correctly.

Research by @InclusionScot linked at the end of this thread!

4) Education

Since the #SQAExamResults fiasco, education has slipped off the media radar.

Disabled young people are concerned their situation will not be taken into account w/ 2021 exams, e.g. students who may have to stop attending in-person classes due to autoimmune diseases.

5) Jobs and Employment

There is already an employment gap between disabled & non-disabled adults. Sadly, this may have widened further since Covid-19.

There are schemes to help disabled people into employment, but very few are suitable to young people still in education!

6) But, it's not all been doom & gloom!

I had to shout-out @TheStayingInn, which has given disabled folks a new, fully-accessible support network during lockdown.

After Covid-19, social isolation won't end for many of us, so it would be great to see these projects continue.

7) What you can do to help

The best way you can be an ally, is to be just that - an advocate alongside us, not speaking over us.

Organise meetings, protests, campaigns, but always do so with the FULL involvement of disabled folks.

Here's an example of a list of demands:

SIGNPOSTING BREAK

Whether you're disabled or not, it's so important to reach out if you're struggling during Covid-19.

Look out for the young people in your life right now.

Here's some websites and apps compiled by @seemescotland that may help: https://www.seemescotland.org/media/9721/see-me-national-signposting-directory-final_rl_170119.pdf

END: Further links & info

The stats I used in this thread are from the @InclusionScot survey on Covid-19: https://inclusionscotland.org/covid-19-evidence-survey/

Check them out, and @TheStayingInn, and more below!

I hope this thread both educated and inspired a little
#DisabilityTwitter #DisabilityRights

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