I made it. I’ve gotten my 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I’ve rebuilt my business that was all but dead a year ago and paid off debts. Around me, I see other businesses bouncing back and restrictions being fully lifted. I went clothes shopping yesterday and used dressing rooms that are open for the first time in 15 months.
The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t gone. There are still social-distancing markers on floors, people masked up, loved ones not surviving, and businesses that will never come back. There is much grieving to be done indefinitely into the future. But we are poised with hope and we’re earnest on moving forward. Colleges are working out what in-person classes will look like this fall, and people are returning to work in office buildings.
As we gradually get back what we loved about our pre-pandemic lives, I reflect on some changes — or trends — that COVID-19 caused that I think we should keep, specifically changes that have improved life for people with disabilities.