UN says Covid-19 pandemic exposes inequalities around the world
The United Nations have said that the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and heightened glaring inequalities around the world, especially when it comes to income and wealth distribution, access to health care, protection under the law, and political inclusion.
According to the United Nations, persons with autism have long faced many of these inequalities, which have only been further exacerbated by the pandemic.
“It’s a problem made worse by long recognized discriminatory hiring practices and workplace environments that present major obstacles for persons with autism; all of which contribute to the unemployment or severe underemployment of a large majority of adults on the autism spectrum,” stated UN.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by world leaders at the United Nations in 2015 provide a blueprint for addressing the major challenges facing the world, including strategies for reducing inequalities that hinder prosperity for people and the planet.
One of the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) – Decent Work and Economic Growth – is to promote full and productive employment and decent work for all, including persons with disabilities. Article 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also recognizes “the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others,” and to a “work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.”
Further, the UN say that some employers have recently launched inclusive employment programmes, which accommodate people with diagnoses of autism and related conditions, such as ADHD, OCD, etc., often referred to as neurodivergent persons.
Based on the experience gained from these programmes, and motivated by the desire to both be socially responsible and to gain a competitive advantage by benefitting from the skills and abilities of a more diverse talent pool, an increasing number of employers are now creating models to make the workplace and hiring practices more inclusive generally.
According to GeoPoll that examined levels of schooling and employment among individuals living with autism in Kenya in 2019, based on answers of those with autism or who have family members with autism, only 26 per cent of the individuals with autism are currently employed in any form.
Schooling levels are higher, with 59 per cent of those with autism attending formal schooling.
“Both those with a family member with autism and who have autism themselves agree that more support from the government is needed, with just 16 per cent saying they have enough support from the government. Out of the larger sample of those who know people with autism, 74 per cent say those with autism do not get enough support from the government,” stated the poll.
It further stated that the financial assistance is the most cited type of support needed, followed by help with drug costs and employment needs.
“Some of the open-ended answers on government support needed included “Education, rehabilitation, employment,” “Special schools for them, funds to help parents take care of them,” and “Records of autistic people, mandatory school laws, follow up on care, anti-stigma campaigns and acceptance,” it stated.
The lack of data on autism in Kenya and many other countries can prevent funding for financial assistance, specially-designed educational programs, and awareness campaigns.
Initial data from this study shows the need for more research on autism in Kenya so that more inclusive programs for those with autism can be developed over time.
