Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Resolution for a Disability Inclusive County
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution that recognizes the mental and physical hardships of COVID-19 on the disabled, declaring San Mateo County a disability inclusive county, and encouraging the use of telework tools.
body
BACKGROUND:
Some of the challenges that people with disabilities faced during the COVID-19 pandemic include the inability to wear masks due to health risks, the associated challenges of having to abide by health care visitor policies that exclude support persons, negative consequences resulting from social distancing - such as mental health struggles from isolation - and the lack of access to COVID-19 testing and testing sites.
According to the CEO of the World Institute on Disability, Marcie Roth, “of the 43% of COVID-19 deaths attributed to congregate facilities, almost 100% are disabled people.” According to the U.S. census, 4.3 % of individuals, who are under the age of 65, have a disability.
DISCUSSION:
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth and telework tools have been recognized as vital support to the disabled community.
It is imperative for our County to continue to map the barriers and feasible adjustments that can be made to make the County of San Mateo more inclusive for residents with different kinds of disabilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.