# Experiences of women with disabilities during and after COVID-19: Needs, sources of support and implications for policy and practice

## TL;DR

This study explores the challenges and support needs of women with disabilities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of including their perspectives in policy-making.

## Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into the lived experiences of women with disabilities during the pandemic, emphasizing their unique needs and sources of support.

## Key findings

- Participants reported satisfaction with their health despite facing multiple barriers.
- Themes identified include physical and mental health, accessibility barriers, decision-making autonomy, and social support.
- The study highlights the need for inclusive policies that consider the multifaceted impacts on women with disabilities.

## Abstract

Approximately 700 million women and girls worldwide live with disabilities, facing compounded discrimination due to both gender and disability. Despite their large numbers, they are often excluded from decision-making and rendered invisible. Research shows that crisis such as nature disasters and public health crises affects people with disabilities more severely than the general population, and women more than men. Yet, studies focusing specifically on women with disabilities in such contexts remain scarce. The present qualitative study aimed to address this gap by analyzing 56 semi-structured interviews with women with motor and/or sensory impairments about their life experiences during COVID-19 and afterwards, using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants aged 26–69, mostly with motor impairments (66.1%), reported satisfaction with their health (71.4%). Findings are organized into four main themes and six sub-themes corresponding to the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as follows: Physical and mental health through daily care and environmental contexts; Navigating accessibility and attitudinal barriers in daily life; Maintaining decision-making autonomy and financial independence; Family and social relationships as sources of support. The findings demonstrate multifaceted impacts on women with disabilities across personal, social, and contextual domains, during both stable periods and crises. To effectively address their needs, policymakers should incorporate the perspectives of women with disabilities in the planning of support programs for both routine periods and crises responses.