As we’re going into the pandemic for two years now, there’s a laundry list of how it has created a ripple in our lives and how it will still affect us even after everything is said and done.

However, this doesn’t mean that everything is cold and dreary. With every difficulty, we must always find a way to look into the positive side of things, and there are countless stories around the world of how COVID has brought out the best in people.

Communities have come together to help each other out in this time of need. Oftentimes, communities know where to fill in the gaps and be of help to those who are underserved, like the disabled community. Here’s a look into COVID resources for people with disabilities based in Toronto, Ontario.

Vaccination drives
https://www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca

Vaccines are important to stay healthy and keep our communities safe. However, there may be individuals with mobility issues who have problems accessing the vaccine locations in the city. The Ontario Community Support Association recognized that and thus has launched the Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines program. They provide door-to-door rides to vaccination sites so the individuals will be able to go to their vaccination appointments with no issue.

Meals on Wheels
https://www.mealsonwheels.ca/  

With all the lockdowns and restrictions, it had been incredibly challenging for those with mobility issues to obtain meals for their sustenance. These meal deliveries are also a good way to do a health check to maintain the overall well-being of clients. In addition, these also aim to address the food insecurity issues where individuals don’t have access to nutritious food. With these Meals on Wheels programs, the organizers ensure that nutritious meals are delivered.

Recreational activities
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/accessibility-at-the-city-of-toronto/city-services-for-people-with-disabilities/accessible-recreation/

Physical activities contribute to one’s overall well-being, which is something we must prioritize during COVID, and thus the City of Toronto has designated at least 12 community centre locations to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. These sites offer specialized programs that encourage people with disabilities to register in activities of their own choosing. Some of the adapted programs and inclusive services include adapted swim lessons or leisure swims, adapted cooking, and adapted adventure camp.

Arts
https://www.meetup.com/Living-and-Learning-Enrichment-Center/ 

Arts can be therapeutic during these hard times of COVID, and there’s a non-profit group that’s dedicated to working with individuals who have disabilities. The events organized aren’t only arts-focused, they also do music appreciation and anime night, which is a hit with the younger set.

Employment
https://www.odenetwork.com/

Organizations like the Ontario Disability Employment Network or ODEN is dedicated to bring businesses together and provide opportunities for job seekers with disabilities. ODEN encourages businesses to apply more inclusivity and diversity in their hiring practices. This is actually a great way for businesses to promote productivity in their company. A study revealed that companies that practice inclusive hiring are likely to see 72 per cent more employee productivity.

Sources

CBC. “Pandemic has brought Canadians together, pushed Americans apart, poll suggests.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid19-pandemic-pew-countries-1.5702522

ODEN. “Business Benefits.” https://www.odenetwork.com/businesses/business-benefits/

Rawlinson, Kevin, and Tobi Thomas.”‘I found myself’: how the pandemic brought out the best in people.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/09/i-found-myself-how-covid-pandemic-brought-out-the-best-in-people

Sing, Nathan. “Demand for Meals on Wheels—and the drivers who make it possible—is soaring.” Maclean’s. https://www.macleans.ca/society/demand-for-meals-on-wheels-and-the-drivers-who-make-it-possible-is-soaring/

Toronto.ca. “Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation.” https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/pdf/funguide/ny/NY_Adapted.pdf