Disability Concerns During the Pandemic

Get Outlook for Android From: J Birch Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2020 2:48:38 PM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; jason.kenney@parl.gc.ca <jason.kenney@parl.gc.ca>; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca <GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca>; govsec@nanoq.gl <govsec@nanoq.gl>; governor@governor.ca.gov <governor@governor.ca.gov>; GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com <GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com>; accredit@gov.ru <accredit@gov.ru>; antonio.ferrari@un.org <antonio.ferrari@un.org>; J Birch <Birch403@outlook.com>; Blanchet, Yves-François - Député <Yves-Francois.Blanchet@parl.gc.ca>; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com <contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com>; contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com <contactus@newfoundlandlabrador.com>; correspondence@council.nyc.gov <correspondence@council.nyc.gov>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; dir_enq@cso.gov.hk <dir_enq@cso.gov.hk>; dan@jpost.com <dan@jpost.com>; david.penberthy@news.com.au <david.penberthy@news.com.au>; doug.fordco@pc.ola.org <doug.fordco@pc.ola.org>; English@mail.gov.cn <English@mail.gov.cn>; eurohealthycities@who.int <eurohealthycities@who.int>; nytnews@nytimes.com <nytnews@nytimes.com>; news@skynews.com <news@skynews.com>; news@thelocal.se <news@thelocal.se>; hello@develop.bc.ca <hello@develop.bc.ca> Subject: Disability Concerns During the Pandemic (Opinion)

Hey everyone, I was reading a story about disability and the concerns associated with the Pandemic. People are worried about the lack of PPE for home care workers who travel to homes to help assist people with disabilities. They are also concerned about support within hospitals for those who may become ill during this time and are looking for options to help those who need support. I was thinking that perhaps we can coordinate through our disability support networks to send PPE to all households that require special care visits. This way the family has their own supply for the nurse in case the nurse doesn't have masks or gloves. In addition, I was thinking about those in hospital who need extra support due to developmental disabilities, those with medical conditions of the brain or emotional support needs. In times of crisis being alone in a hospital can be overwhelming for people. I was thinking that perhaps for special cases where there needs to be visitors we can implement full body hazmat suits or a combination therein. This will help us reduce the risk of spreading the disease and allow for a parent or support worker to be there for vulnerable people when they are in the hospital. Additionally, perhaps we can look into some AISH supplements to ensure that all families can get through this time together. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2