Every year, there are people around the world who designate a word for that year. Sometimes they choose the word based on something they want to improve or a habit they want to cultivate, such as “focus.” Others choose their word based on something they are hoping to find or gain, such as “fortune.” Although everyone’s word varies based on their personal experience, I think that many of us can agree with Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com’s choice for 2020 Word of the Year: “Pandemic.”

A pandemic is defined by Merriam-Webster as “an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically affects a significant proportion of the population: a pandemic outbreak of a disease.”

Many people around the world were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way, whether directly or indirectly. Loss became an uninvited guest in the lives of people around the globe, whether loss of a loved one, a job, an event they were planning or even health.

Life in a Wheelchair During a Pandemic

While there are many stories shared of how individuals all over the world had to adapt to the sudden changes made, there aren’t as many stories told from the perspective of people with disabilities. Brand Ambassador Yvette Pegues shares how the pandemic affected her and her family throughout 2020. Learn more about life in a wheelchair during COVID-19.

Safe Activities to Do During a Pandemic

Restrictions were put in place because of the pandemic, forcing people to get creative. For most, this meant staying at home or practicing social distancing when going out. Like the word pandemic, the term “social distancing” has greatly risen in popularity.

Social distancing is the practice of limiting your exposure to other individuals through maintaining a safe distance. In addition to practicing good hygiene habits, studies have shown that staying a minimum of six feet away from another person helps to reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19.

Finding fun activities to do while quarantined at home or while social distancing can be hard to do. If you aren’t sure what to do for fun while staying safe, you can start with our article What to Do While Social Distancing.

Shopping in a Power Wheelchair During a Pandemic

Many grocery stores and retailers offer curbside pickup or delivery. There are times, however, when shopping in stores is unavoidable. Out of the many ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected daily life, shopping was one area. To limit exposure to the virus, it’s best to have a plan in mind with shopping.  Read our tips for shopping during COVID-19 in a power wheelchair.