March 16, 2021
How to help someone with a disability wear a face mask
Since the start of the pandemic, several countries have made wearing a face mask mandatory. However, there is a lack of clarity around exemption of face mask usage for persons with disabilities. This not only leaves disabled people vulnerable to the virus, but also prevents their caregivers or loved ones from finding a viable solution to protect their needs.
At the same time, wearing a face mask may present a challenge for some people with disabilities who are, for example, individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autistic people, people who cannot independently put on or take off a mask, people with lung diseases or breathing difficulties, people who experience panic attacks while wearing masks, and people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
Before you contemplate, as a caregiver or loved one of someone with a...