Why Not the “New Flexible”?: The Argument for Not Returning to “Normal” After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disparate impact across demographic groups, resulting in BIPOC and disabled people experiencing transmission, hospitalization, death at higher rates than White non-disabled populations. However, responses within the created new avenues for access to with disabilities, including telehealth, work from home opportunities, virtual participation, which were very solutions accommodations they have been requesting, but denied, years. call “return normal” is steeped ableist thinking. Society was made aware of inequities throughout pandemic, flexible must be retained refined continue provided during this time. As start discourse on reflection action, authors suggest four areas target change toward health equity: (a) messaging communication, (b) accessibility, (c) addressing attitudinal barriers, (d) seeking using input people. following presents an overview each factor action steps, resources guide them.