Protecting the most vulnerable among us: Access to care and resources for persons with disability from spinal cord injury during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), especially regarding access to caregivers and medical resources. Many individuals with SCI/D rely on family members for care, and these caregivers may face increased stress, financial difficulties, and isolation during the pandemic. There are concerns that scarce medical resources, like ventilators, might be unfairly rationed, potentially disadvantaging individuals with disabilities.

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  Individuals with SCI/D face challenges in maintaining consistent caregiver support due to the pandemic.
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  The pandemic raises concerns about equitable access to life-sustaining resources for individuals with SCI/D.
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  The VA SCI/D system provides a more robust safety net compared to non-VA systems, but vulnerabilities still exist.