Today is recognised internationally by the United Nations as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The industry we serve is largely concerned with the alleviation of conditions that often go hand in hand with some form of disability, so this is something we feel very strongly about at Next Phase.
The global crisis of COVID-19 is deepening pre-existing inequalities, exposing the extent of exclusion and highlighting that work on disability inclusion is imperative. People with disabilities—one billion people globally — are one of the most excluded groups in our society and are among the hardest hit in this crisis in terms of fatalities.
Even under normal circumstances, persons with disabilities are less likely to access health care, education, employment and to participate in the community. An integrated approach is required to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind.