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Living through the Pandemic with a Disability: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Janice Chan

    (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Somayyeh Mohammadi

    (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
    Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
    Department of Psychology, Kingston University, London KT2 7LB, UK)

  • Elham Esfandiari

    (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
    Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
    Edwin S.H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada)

  • Julia Schmidt

    (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
    Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada)

  • W. Ben Mortenson

    (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
    Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
    International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada)

  • William C. Miller

    (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
    Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9, Canada
    International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada)

Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of people with disabilities during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted individually with 13 participants between May 2020 and February 2021. The data were thematically analyzed. Three themes were identified: (1) “Being an active agent in changing how things are done in the face of COVID restrictions”, revealed changes that participants made to their daily routines resulting from government-imposed and self-imposed restrictions; (2) “Pandemic restrictions wreak havoc”, explained participants challenges with adapting to the restrictions; and (3) “Trying to be resilient in the face of pandemic changes” described participants’ efforts to cope with life during the pandemic. The findings illustrate how life changed for people with disabilities during the pandemic. Participants reported specific types of challenges at each time point. As the vaccine rollout became more imminent, participants expressed more hope for the future and getting back to normal.

Suggested Citation

  • Janice Chan & Somayyeh Mohammadi & Elham Esfandiari & Julia Schmidt & W. Ben Mortenson & William C. Miller, 2023. "Living through the Pandemic with a Disability: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 3(3), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:3:y:2023:i:3:p:20-318:d:1180898
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mithen, Johanna & Aitken, Zoe & Ziersch, Anne & Kavanagh, Anne M., 2015. "Inequalities in social capital and health between people with and without disabilities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 26-35.
    2. Brodie, M. & Weltzien, E. & Altman, D. & Blendon, R.J. & Benson, J.M., 2006. "Experiences of Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Houston shelters: Implications for future planning," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(8), pages 1402-1408.
    3. Fletcher, Jason, 2018. "Crushing hope: Short term responses to tragedy vary by hopefulness," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 59-62.
    4. Gero, Krisztina & Aida, Jun & Shirai, Kokoro & Kondo, Katsunori & Kawachi, Ichiro, 2021. "Dispositional Optimism and Disaster Resilience: A natural experiment from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).
    5. Campbell, V.A. & Gilyard, J.A. & Sinclair, L. & Sternberg, T. & Kailes, J.I., 2009. "Preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza: Implications for people with disabilities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(S2), pages 294-300.
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