Chapter 6: Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives

Six out of 10 people who died with Covid-19 between January and November 2020 were disabled. Those with a learning disability were at even greater risk of dying than those with a physical disability. (Suleman M, Sonthalia S, Webb C, Tinson A, Kane M, Bunbury S, Finch D, Bibby J. (2021) Unequal pandemic, fairer recovery: The COVID-19 impact inquiry report. The Health Foundation (opens new window)) 

Disabled people, whether or not they have 'underlying health conditions' that place them at higher risk of Covid-19, are more likely to report that restrictions have had greater impact on their lives than non disabled people from their relationships being affected through to reduced access to health care.26 Service restrictions have had a significant impact on people with the learning-disabled community. The last year saw a traumatic loss of routine, activities and contact with family and carers, that was hard to understand and to cope with. (Local Government Association (2021) Health inequalities: Learning disabilities and COVID-19 (opens new window))

My lockdown was challenging at first until I got used to it. I was angry at first, but I kept going on Zoom. After a few lockdowns I went back to Lawnmowers Arts Centre. This is my experience of Covid until it goes fingers crossed - I hope so. In the 1st lockdown I was at my mum's for the whole year of 2020 and then lockdown 2021 I went back to my supported living home. I was happy! Still get to see my mum and dad as well.
 

In lockdown, I did Lawnmowers gigs, met family and saw mates, all over Zoom. I fed the horses, made banana bread and saw my girlfriend.
Matthew Dennis, Member, Lawnmowers Theatre Company

My lockdown was one of the worst experiences ever, not knowing what's going on, not being able to go out to see people, too many rules. And people dying, no food in the shops. 
Debbie Bell, Artist and Shadow Board Member, Lawnmowers Theatre Company

My lockdown was frustrating on Zoom. 
Andy Stafford, Founding Member, Lawnmowers Theatre Company 

When lockdown restrictions were first introduced in 2020, we quickly realised the extent of digital exclusion within our communities and the risk this posed to people with learning disabilities who rely on regular interaction with their support networks.
 

Thanks to the Coronavirus Community Support Fund and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner funding, we mobilised our team to provide practical and emotional help and advice tailored to the needs of the people we support to help them connect online with confidence. This ranged from supplying devices and data to providing ongoing training and support to develop skills and confidence to get the most out of their internet access.
 

Through this project, we learned that digital exclusion takes many forms but that with the right tools and support people with learning disabilities can thrive online. 
Lindsay Henderson, Head of Communities, Your Voice Counts