The COVID-19 crisis has impacted the entire community in some way, but for people such as Kristian Gay, who lives with a disability, it poses a different set of challenges. He spoke with Tate Papworth
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 31 years old, I grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, I have lived in St Albans my entire life. I was born with a disability called spina bifida myelomeningocele, which is a neural tube defect and have been in a wheelchair my entire life, practically. I grew up with just my mum and my sister, who is four years older. Because of my disability, I spent a good chunk of my childhood in and out of hospital consisting of multiple surgeries both small and major.
How have restrictions impacted you?
COVID-19 has affected us all in some respect, some obviously worse than others. I don’t currently work and live in public housing, so from a financial sense the COVID-19 crisis hasn’t affected me personally, but because of my disability and having multiple ailments which make my immune system weaker than others, I put myself in lockdown before the government announced the restrictions. I am an avid health and fitness guy though who loves to attend my local gym and unfortunately due to
the restrictions put in place I can’t continue that. It has also affected me in not being able to see my family, in particular my niece and nephew who I, along with my mum,
see every fortnight while my sister is at work. It has also impacted the availability of products I use day-to-day with my disability such as disposable gloves and hand sanitiser.
Has it been frustrating not being able to get items you need?
I am fully aware we all need the bare essentials and we are all struggling with the fear of the unknown so people are going a bit crazy and stockpiling, fighting in the
supermarkets with other customers and arguing with the staff in supermarkets. But I strongly urge people to show a little more common sense, courtesy, respect and
generosity to people. We are all doing it tough, but we need to stick together.
What are your biggest concerns?
I adapt well to change because it’s something I’ve had to do my whole life because of the challenges I face with my disability. But my biggest concern is the community transmission of COVID-19. Many of us all are doing the right thing by staying at home and social distancing, but I’ve seen others not follow the rules which puts the more vulnerable at risk.
