Facebook group keeps people with disabilities connected during the Covid-19 pandemic

Many severely disabled people rely on the help of other to perform their daily life activities. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the population being advised to stay home and practice social distancing, people with disabilities had to face the tough choice between keeping safe and trying to live independently or continue to have contact with their carers and potentially putting themselves at risk.

Dennis Queen, a disabled activist, had many friends who decided to temporarily cancel visit from their Personal Assistants because they were afraid of being exposed to the virus. Concerned with the possible isolation that would create, Queen decided to create a Facebook group where people with disabilities could stay connected, sharing stories, strategies and advice on how they were coping with the pandemic. "It's about providing emotional support because people are worried. We're breaking down that loneliness", she explained. The group is called “The Bunker” and, according to the creator, the inspiration for the name came from the fact that “we're bunkering down so we don't get it”.

The group has over 800 members and is filled with practical tactics and strategies on how to deal with the current situation. For example, one member suggested that in the UK there is a fund that can help people with disabilities to purchase a device equipped with speaker and video that can allow the patients to be monitored from a distance, without having to be in direct contact with their carers.

The group has proven to be very important for this community, with many members expressing their gratitude. Like Elle, who published a message saying “"The creators, admin and those who have talked to me when I've needed it are legends. It's helped me know I'm not completely on my own."

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebunkerUK/

Adapted form: https://www.bbc.com/news/disability-52369053