By Helen Portal (Luxemburgish), on behalf of Inclusion Europe on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in the COVID-19 crisis 

The petitioner draws the attention to the situation of people with intellectual disabilities and their families across the European Union in the time of the COVID-19 crisis and the lockdown. Many people would not have access to their habitual health treatments or personal assistance. People are being locked down in the so-called care-homes with no possibility for visits from family members or to go live back with relatives. On the other side, structures have closed down and families are left alone completely helpless on how to take care of their loved ones with intellectual disabilities. Coronavirus and the lockdown highlight the ongoing segregation and discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities, especially in access to healthcare. As for the immediate health response, the EU must ensure that it is compatible to both the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities. The petitioner calls for disability related services as a matter of priority, among the first to open in the "lockdown exit". Furthermore, post-Corona financial measures would be needed not only reaching out but starting with people with intellectual disabilities and their families.