In observance of the 2020 National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week this July, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has partnered with the Project Inclusion Network, Inc. (PIN), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC), in the conduct of a survey which aims to better determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Persons with Disability.
DOLE said the survey entitled “Moving Towards Disability Inclusive Recovery in Employment and Livelihood in the time of COVID-19” aims to better determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Persons with Disability in employment and entrepreneurship, as well as document their needs to be able to participate in the labor and entrepreneurial market.
According to the Labor department, Persons with Disability, under normal circumstances, already experience barriers that hinder them from fully participating in society, and these are further aggravated by the current circumstances that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about.
"From a rapid assessment conducted by PIN to 75 Persons with Disability, 70% of them have had their employment affected by the pandemic. Some are on a work-from-home arrangement, or on a no-work-no-pay or reduced working hours policy, while others are at risk of losing their jobs," said DOLE in a statement on July 14.
"Based on the testimonials of some of the respondents, they know that it will take a long time for them to adjust to the new normal, and it will be more challenging for them to find employment opportunities," added the department.
The DOLE urged all Person with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs), Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to participate and disseminate the survey.
The survey can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/inclusiveph or download fillable PDF forms at https://bit.ly/38TNf3c (English format) or https://bit.ly/2Zr4JAJ (Filipino format), which can be submitted through email at [email protected].
The survey will run from July 15 to August 12, 2020.
DOLE said results of the survey will be shared with the general public and with policy makers to aid in the inclusive recovery efforts towards supporting decent and equitable work and livelihood opportunities for Persons with Disability in the new normal.
"Together, let us build a more inclusive and barrier-free Philippines!" said the department.