Reflecting on COVID-19: The Lesson on Isolation People with Disability Already Knew

Now, half a decade on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been reflecting on how that time changed everything. Namely, before the mandatory isolation restrictions were placed on the global community. Before 2020, I didn’t think of myself as someone who relied a whole lot on socialising. See, isolation is not a foreign concept to me.I’ve dealt with isolation more times than I can count because of my disability; being in a wheelchair can be very isolating at times. In fact, I think all kinds of disabilities can be pretty isolating in their own way.
Jamie-Lee during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Growing up with a progressive neuromuscular condition, there were many things that I couldn’t attend, simply because they weren’t accessible enough.Before COVID-19, I was living in a group home and despite being surrounded by people, I was really lonely because I felt defined by my disability in this environment. From my experience, isolation is even worse when you feel like you’re the only one doing it. But during the 2020 lockdown, everyone was in the same position so I found it slightly more comforting.During the lockdown, mental health was at the forefront of many conversations. Although people feared for their physical health, isolation caused many implications to people’s mental health, such as an increased risk of suicide and depression, alcohol and substance abuse, or changes in brain function. It can be hard to see the positives when you're socially isolated, but finding innovative ways to communicate with loved ones was my favourite part of lockdown. I communicated with people I normally wouldn’t have as often, if not for isolation.My life improved after the lockdown when I moved into my own Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) apartment. Independent Living Options (ILO) funded by the NDIS was fundamental in giving freedom to my social life. When the vehicle I purchased with my sister was modified through the NDIS, my connection to the outside world grew even further. From this, I’ve realised what a huge part socialising plays in my life. One of my idols, Helen Keller – the blind and deaf American author from the nineteenth century – once said: “Alone there is so little we can achieve, but together there is so much we can accomplish.”If you think you might be eligible for ILO through the NDIS, you can contact the Housing Hub on our free NDIS Housing Advice Line on 1300 61 64 63, or access our Housing Roadmap to help you know where you can go to achieve your home and living goals. Our NDIS Housing Advice Line operates Monday - Friday, from 10am until 3pm (AEST), but you can leave a message and one of our team members will get in touch with you.Article published: February 2025

About The Author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of growing up with a disability motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at university, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.
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