Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability, of whom 2% to 4% experience significant difficulties in functioning. Persons with impairment are the most neglected sector in society. This inquiry looks into the social and medical model in terms of analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with developmental disorder. The paper argues that the medical model is insufficient to account for the needs of persons with disability. While the medical model requires that individuals with impairment should be given priority in terms of access to effective treatment, policies in the midst of public emergencies must be based on a comprehensive awareness of the social context of cognitive disability.