Oliver Lewis, barrister and legal academic from the UK presented how DPOs can use international standards in their advocacy at national and local levels. He started by highlighting the increased risks for people with intellectual disabilities during this crisis. He also shared the statements and guidance that are available for organizations. He then explored the impact of the crisis in relation to different topics: Information accessibility, physical distancing, long-term care facilities, inspections, healthcare and education.

Celeste Fernandez, Coordinator of the Disability and Human Rights Program at the Asociacion Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia, shared examples of difficulties that people with intellectual disabilities are facing in Latin America. She highlighted the increased vulnerability of certain groups and human rights violation cases for people with intellectual disabilities who live in rural areas, including denial of the support services. She says the COVID19 crisis has only amplified existing problems.

Sina Hansen, Legal intern at the Norwegian association for People with intellectual disabilities (NFU) presented cases of restriction, isolation and coercion experienced by people with intellectual disabilities during the crisis. She talked about the difficulties faced by people living in institutions and group homes. She shared case studies of people with intellectual disabilities who have been denied family visitors and parent carers whose children have lost the financial assistance and support to live independently. 

Michael Njenga, Chairperson of the Pan African Network of Persons with Psychosocial disabilities presented the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the African context. He reaffirmed the barriers related to access to information, access to healthcare services, the impact of legal capacity as well as the denial of social protection measures.