Challenges facing Hong Kong’s intellectually disabled people in using public services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The needs of disabled people are often insufficiently recognized by mainstream society, causing this population to be excluded from society and activities of daily life. This problem is clearly reflected in the obstacles that intellectually disabled people have encountered in their use of public services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this qualitative study, we conducted focus group sessions with 17 social workers and 12 carers supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong. Using a thematic analysis, we found that (a) the social-emotional needs of intellectually disabled people were intensified by the disruption of social services; (b) they received limited benefit from the use of video conferencing services; and (c) they encountered significant difficulties in complying with preventive measures. To achieve equity in public service, universal design should be emphasized during the planning stage, and the experiences of disabled people should be carefully considered from the outset.