MANILA, Philippines — Quarantine measures imposed amid threats of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have “exacerbated” the predicament of children with disabilities in the country, a child advocacy group’s survey has shown. “The quarantine measures exacerbated, as part of the impact of COVID-19, the current disadvantage that children with disabilities are already facing,” Paraan said. The parents and caregivers of children with disabilities also suffered a loss of income and employment, she added. Citing 2018 data from PhilHealth, Chan noted that one in seven or around 5.1 million Filipino children are living with disabilities. “So wala pa sa 10 percent ang participation ng learners with disabilities sa ating education system,” Chan pointed out.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 02, 2020 14:26 UTC