Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Shielding (Week Beginning 15 June 2020) Each week Disability Equality Scotland send out a poll question to our members on a topical issue.  For the week beginning 15 June, we asked a question about people in the shielding category. Question: If you are shielding or at high risk from COVID-19, do you think there is enough information and support available to you? Results: Yes – 22% (24 respondents) No – 78% (87 respondents) Comments:  Shielding Category There were mixed opinions from respondents on the information and support available for people in the shielding category.  Some
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Face Coverings (Week Beginning 8 June 2020) Each week Disability Equality Scotland send out a poll question to our members on a topical issue.  For the week beginning 8 June, we asked a question about face coverings on public transport. Question: If a face covering were to be mandatory on public transport, would you wear one? Results: Yes – 99% (762 respondents) No –  1% (6 respondents) Comments:  The following is a summary of the main themes and key concerns of our members regarding face coverings on public transport. We provide verbatim comments where appropriate
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Easing of Lockdown Each week Disability Equality Scotland send out a poll question to our members on a topical issue.  For the week commencing 1 June 2020, we posed three questions: Question 1. Do you have any concerns about the easing of lockdown, especially if you or someone you know is shielding? YES –90% (113 respondents) NO – 10% (12 respondents) Question 2. Has information about the easing of lockdown in Scotland been reported in a clear and accessible manner? YES –62% (78 respondents) NO – 38% (47 respondents) Question 3. Are you confident that the new Test
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Physical Distancing Each week Disability Equality Scotland send out a poll question to our members on a topical issue.  For the week commencing 25 May 2020, by request of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), we posed the following question: Question: During your daily exercise, or when undertaking essential journeys, have you experienced any issues with physically distancing? Results: Yes – 99% (907 respondents) No –  1% (13 respondents) Your Comments: Infrastructure Pavements in general are not wide enough nor equipped to deal with disabled peoples’ needs even without the need for physical distancing. 
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Mental Health (Week Beginning 18 May 2020) Question: Has your mental health been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Results: Yes – 69% (50 respondents) No –  31% (22 respondents) Your Comments: Impact on Mental Health The current crisis and lockdown restrictions have had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of some respondents. This includes an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression. “When in a 12-week lockdown and you cannot see your family, it is not a nice place to be in mentally.” “Lockdown is causing stress, depression, and claustrophobia.” “Being blind
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Furlough Job Retention Scheme (Week Beginning 11 May) Question: Do you think there is enough support in place for employers and employees across Scotland? Results: Yes – 37% (25 respondents) No –  63% (42 respondents) Your Comments: Self-employed Some respondents felt there is a lack of support for people who are self-employed. “Particularly poor support for self-employed and those needing to turn to the social security system for help. The delay in receiving any financial assistance is unacceptable with claimants for universal credit having to wait weeks for a decision and then a further few
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Inclusive Communication (Week Beginning 4 May 2020) Question: Have you received information about COVID-19 in a format that is accessible for you? Examples of accessible information include easy read, braille, audio, British Sign Language, captions and plain text. Results: Yes – 54% (41 respondents) No –  46% (36 respondents) Your Comments: Accessible Formats Available Respondents had received important information about COVID-19 in a variety of accessible formats. “I have received a range of different information from the Westminster and Scottish Governments in an accessible format.” “Easy read information for people with learning disabilities is available
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Equality and Human Rights (Week Beginning 27 April 2020) Question: Have there been specific equality or human rights impacts on groups of people as a response to the virus? Results: Yes – 62% (50 respondents) No –  38% (31 respondents) Your Comments: Health and Social Care Our members highlighted the equality and human rights impacts on disabled people from not being able to access health and social care, which in some cases has resulted on greater reliance on family, friends, and neighbours. “Carers have been utterly neglected up until now.” “The right to treatment/health care
Read More

Weekly Poll Results – COVID-19: Access to Supermarkets (Week Beginning 20 April 2020) Question: Have you encountered problems accessing supermarket stores and/or booking online delivery slots? Results: Yes – 69% (61 respondents) No – 31% (27 respondents) Your Comments: Shielding List Some members had experienced difficulties, for example where they were on a priority list, but the parameters changed, and they were no longer eligible, or who are on a shielding list, but have not received confirmation from the NHS.  Others found they were challenged at supermarkets and felt they had to ‘prove’ their disability. “My condition like many others
Read More