The coronavirus is extraordinarily scary for all of us. As of April 24, 2020, there were 50,243 counted deaths in the United States from this horrible virus. A lot of people are losing their jobs as well. People with disabilities especially are frightened during these most uncertain times. Doctors are rationing masks, ventilators, and other necessary medical supplies, without prioritizing the lives of members of the disability community. It’s no wonder there is so much anxiety and fear in the world right now.

So, what can be done in such a moment of crisis? First, we can read “Half Assed Disabled Prepper Tips for Preparing for a Coronavirus Quarantine,” by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha (link below). Piepzna-Samarasinha, a writer on disability justice, offers us several helpful tips about food, sanitation, and mutual aid for surviving the coronavirus as a person with a disability. She acknowledges that some people may not have the finances to stock up on necessities and suggests alternatives. While she does offer solutions for those in need, we must also urge government officials to heed the advice of social activist, Shaun King. In an episode of his podcast, “The Breakdown,” Shaun King pressures both landlords and politicians to disregard rent and utility bill payments during this time. Between the currently high rates of unemployment and institutionalized ableism and racism that inherently create obstacles to employment, a lot of people do not have the economic resources to deal with this unprecedented state of the world. People should not be forced to choose between a home and a meal; mutual aid should not be rent money. #Nobodyisdisposable #ICUgenics

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rIdpKgXeBHbmM3KpB5NfjEBue8YN1MbXhQ7zTOLmSyo/dit