Access to Physical Activity and Sport and the Effects of Isolation and Cordon Sanitaire During COVID-19 for People With Disabilities in Scotland and Canada.

Denise Kamyuka,Liz Carlin,Laura Misener,Gayle Mcpherson

doi:10.3389/fspor.2020.594501

Denise Kamyuka, Liz Carlin + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.594501

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Abstract

People with a disability are more at risk of experiencing inequalities in relation to sporting and physical activity opportunities, COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions stand to exacerbate these inequalities. This research directly contributes toward the World Health Organization, global research roadmap priority to explore “the impact of restrictive public health measures (e.g., quarantine, isolation, cordon sanitaire).” Social loneliness and social isolation have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals, therefore, it is imperative to gain an understanding of the effects of self-isolation and shielding during Covid-19 for people with disabilities to help those in policy and agency positions address these issues. This research utilized a qualitative approach, to speak with people with a disability, athletes and non-athletes and those in a position of management and policy making. Six online focus groups, with people participating in sport and physical activity, using live captioning, chat functions, and an online written discussion forum; through Project Echo website as part of a wider study on sport and accessibility were utilized. The study also drew on interviews and one of the focus groups was with senior policy makers and regional managers responsible for disability sport in Scotland.

Highlights

The aim of this research is to understand how People with a Disability (PwD)1 have been impacted by Covid-19, in relation to their ability to participate in sport or physical activity
We draw upon the theoretical understandings of the biopsychosocial model of disability focusing on how structural and economic barriers have led to further isolation for PwD who were already marginalized from society
Angela has been able to continue with some activity due to living in a rural and reasonably isolated area and has felt comfortable going for runs, uneven terrain makes this a safety concern the longer lockdown continues with daylight beginning to fade in the evening

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this research is to understand how People with a Disability (PwD) have been impacted by Covid-19, in relation to their ability to participate in sport or physical activity. The government published recommendations and considerations for organizations and people working with PwD These considerations reiterated the UN’s concerns and included: anticipated difficulties with the use of face masks and visors, provisions for caregivers, and the need for gender sensitive response measures (Canada.Ca, 2020). Instead in response to the pandemic and its economic impact on PwD, the federal and Ontario government in Canada offered PwD up to $600 CAD in financial support They provided up to $15 million CAD in funding to support the employment of PwD and $1.8 million CAD to fund the technology upgrades and projects designed to make work from home systems more accessible (Prime Minister of Canada, 2020). We believe that access to physical activity can contribute significantly to providing holistic support during the pandemic, amidst lockdown restrictions

Aims and Objectives

Literature Review

METHODS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION

ETHICS STATEMENT