Disabled People Covid-19 2020-09-23
2020-09-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Between March and July, disabled people accounted for nearly 60% of all COVID-19 deaths. A survey in Greater Manchester revealed that eight out of ten disabled individuals with significant support needs were not included in the official Government shielding group despite their high risk.
Disabled people, including those with health conditions or impairments, made up almost 60% of all COVID-19 deaths from March to July. A survey in Greater Manchester showed that eight out of ten disabled individuals with significant support needs were not included in the official Government shielding group despite their high risk. With a second wave approaching, what is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that all clinically vulnerable people are shielded and properly supported?
The Government raise challenges related to shielding identified by stakeholders with relevant Ministers through the Disability Unit. Shielding has ended but continues to be reviewed. People should feel safe and employers must act according to the Equality Act 2010, while guidance is being published for those coming out of shielding.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to ensure all clinically vulnerable individuals are shielded during a second wave were not detailed.
Kept Under Review
Working With Relevant Departments
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Disabled people, including those with health conditions or impairments, accounted for nearly 60% of all COVID-19 deaths from March to July. A survey in Greater Manchester revealed that eight out of ten disabled individuals with significant support needs were not included in the official Government shielding group despite their high risk.
Disabled people, including those with health conditions or impairments, made up almost 60% of all COVID-19 deaths from March to July. A survey in Greater Manchester showed that eight out of ten disabled individuals with significant support needs were not included in the official Government shielding group despite their high risk. With a second wave approaching, what is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that all clinically vulnerable people are shielded and properly supported?
The Government raise challenges related to shielding identified by stakeholders with relevant Ministers through the Disability Unit. Shielding has ended but continues to be reviewed. People should feel safe and employers must act according to the Equality Act 2010, while guidance is being published for those coming out of shielding.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to ensure all clinically vulnerable individuals are shielded during a second wave were not detailed.
Kept Under Review
Working With Relevant Departments
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The charity SignHealth provides free British Sign Language translations for people who need them in health settings during the pandemic. However, their grant application to the Department of Health and Social Care has not been awarded.
SignHealth has been providing free BSL translation services for those affected by COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic but its grant application to DHSC remains unawarded. Will my hon. Friend use his best efforts with colleagues at DHSC to resolve this issue and ensure that deaf people have equal access to information?
Through my right hon. Friend's work as Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, there is no stronger advocate for accessible communications. Stakeholders raise this issue frequently, and we remind all Departments of its importance through the Disability Unit. SignHealth's service sounds wonderful, and I will encourage the relevant Minister to respond personally and quickly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding grant application decision was not provided.
Advocating With Colleagues
Reminding Departments Of Importance
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Many disabled people are waiting to prove their eligibility for social security payments through face-to-face assessments, which are currently on hold due to the pandemic.
Before a second wave of the virus begins, will you represent the needs of those who must complete paper-based work capability assessments to secure benefits? Will you join me in calling for paper-based assessments to be made available universally?
Face-to-face assessments have been suspended, but we use paper-based reviews when possible. Telephone assessments will be introduced for Work Capability Assessments similarly to how they were implemented for Personal Independence Payments. The Green Paper aims to explore better ways to reform the assessment process and increase the likelihood of conducting paper-based reviews where feasible.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timelines or immediate action for paper-based assessments were not committed to.
Planning Improvements
Introducing Telephone Assessments
Response accuracy