Assistance For People With Disabilities In A Post Covid-19 World?

Many persons with disabilities I would imagine, are thankful for the assistance of strangers as they navigate New York City. I have always felt at ease in the knowledge that i could get assistance from my fellow abled bodied New Yorker with no qualmsBut will the assistance continue post Corona Virus?

As many people around the world experience some form of lock-down because of Covid 19. I can testify to the mental struggle of coping with isolation. As you could imagine having a disability is not fun and i have found opportunities of socialising to be dependent on the availability of friends to chaperone me. Sometimes going to parties can end up with me sat in a chair with a plate of food while people around me are having a good time. Occasionally a well meaning party guest might stop by to ask me if i want more food or drinks. What i would like is some conversation.

Of course some people might say to me “”you should join a group for people with disabilities,” “aren’t there any activities for the disabled in the city.” There are activities for people with disabilities which i participate in. But i do not believe in segregating myself soley to the disabled community. Thats why i feel having a disability does not define me. I do get sick of the same questions that some people might say to me on a first encounter. “How long have you been disabled?” “How did you become disabled?” It would be nice if they could start the conversation with “how are you?”

Its socialization that i fight for. To be able to get out of the apartment and be with people. I can empathise with senior citizens who like people with disabilities can find themselves isolated at home. Even if my friends can’t hang out with me i do go out on my own to social events. Such as listening to a band at a music concert.

Of course socialising on my own is heavily dependent on assistance by employees of the venue that i am attending. Will i still get assistance in supermarkets, pharmacies, entertainment venues, restaurants and other establishments? Will abled bodied people be less willing to have a disabled person hold their elbow for guidance? Hopefully no, hopefully the Corona Virus wont effect peoples willingness to help another.