Communication Implications of Post-COVID-19 Socio-Cultural Changes for Persons with Disabilities: The Nigerian Experience and Scholarly Response

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has produced socio-cultural changes for people of all races and backgrounds. It has heightened inequality and increased the marginalisation of many vulnerable groups in which persons with disabilities in Nigeria are a part. This research investigated the communication and social and cultural problems experienced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria in general and Cross River State in particular occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was anchored on Communication Accommodation Theory. Qualitative research method utilizing instrument of focus group discussions was employed for this study. The data were analysed using the explanation building technique as well as rhetorical narrative to provide the basis of interpreting qualitative gathered for the study. Findings indicate among others that the application of COVID-19 protocols affected the socio-cultural life in general and learning environment of persons with Disability (PWD) In particular. For instance, the study found that the use of Nose Masks affected sound and voice recognition for the visually impaired while it affected lip-reading for the Hearing Impaired. The study further revealed that COVID-19 protocols of physical/social distance created the fertile ground for discrimination of varying degrees against PWD’s. It was therefore, recommended among others that if necessary at any point of health emergency of similar situation or continued enforcement of COVID-19 protocols, there should be differential procedures in the application of some of the protocols like special face-shield, personal protective equipment, development of plastic Braille papers for easy sanitizing. It is also recommended that advocacy; social mobilisation and behaviour change communication strategies should be adopted to stem discrimination against PWD’s. ­