#AdvocacyMatters: COVID-19 and Racial Equality
June 19, 2020 / #AdvocacyMatters
Today, Disability Rights Ohio submitted testimony to the Minority Health Strike Force. The Strike Force was created by Governor DeWine to examine the impact of COVID-19 on minority populations and report on solutions to address the health disparities in our state. DRO applauds the Strike Force for addressing the issue of systemic racism by using data and empirical evidence to find effective solutions to health disparities. False information that derives from racial stereotypes and tropes is dangerous and unhelpful. For people with disabilities, stereotypes, and judgments about abilities or quality of life can impact service delivery and lead to discriminatory practices.
Our testimony focused on three themes that we felt that the Strike Force should make recommendations to help lessen the discrimination and disparities highlighted by the pandemic:
- Healthcare - including rationing healthcare policies, hospital, and other facilities visitation policies, and access to home and community-based services and supports;
- Data - Increasing testing to capture data on people with disabilities impacted by COVID-19 and specifically those in long-term care facilities; and
- Education and outreach - Ensuring individuals and families have access to information and services.
Disability Rights Ohio will continue to speak up and advocate for solutions where the paths of race and disability cross, because #AdvocacyMatters.