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Three Years on From “Stay at Home”: Perspectives of People With Intellectual Disabilities About the Ongoing Impact of the COVID ‐19 Pandemic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities were disproportionately negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there has been limited research about the perceived longer-term impact. METHODS: Data were collected through a two-stage narrative interview process with eight adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants told their storey about their lives at the time of the first lockdown in 2020, what their lives were like 3 years later, and what they hoped for the future. A second interview filled any gaps in the narrative. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: navigating disruptions to meaningful activities; unique challenges associated with residing in group-living environments; anger at the Government; barriers to moving forward. CONCLUSIONS: The themes identified reflect powerful emotional memories of challenging experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Life continues to be difficult for many due to ongoing difficulties in getting the right support.

Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

DOI: 10.1111/jar.70076

Authors: Jodie Rawles, Sue Caton, Dawn Cavanagh, Chris Hatton, Richard P. Hastings, the Coronavirus and People with Learning Disabilities Study Team