Extra

Due to the extreme and deadly surge in the coronavirus this winter, there is a shelter in place order in Contra Costa County and in many places elsewhere. Most people are probably unhappy about this, partly because it comes at the height of the holiday season, and partly because most people would rather get out and do things. 

Many are in dire straits because the shutdown of businesses has eliminated their jobs, and they are at risk of homelessness, starvation, and other economically caused, dire woes. I can understand how many people are unhappy about the shutdowns, and how it makes no sense to them. It seems that the U.S. and other countries have the choice of deaths due to coronavirus, versus deaths due to starvation and/or eviction. This is not an easy choice. 

However, for me personally, the order brings relief, and it brings a gift of being able to remain home more. This is because I don't like to go anywhere. This could be a part of my schizophrenic illness, or it could be a separate issue. 

This is not to minimize people's suffering; everyone suffering and those losing loved ones have my deepest empathy. It is just that for me, personally, staying at home is a good thing. 

That said, here is the rest of this week's column... 

For many disabled poor people, it is not feasible to own a car. When we do own one, it burdens us with numerous expenses and complications. Those who can meet their needs without one may be better off not owning one. I have a car, it is a huge convenience, and it is essential in case I need to evacuate. 

However, too much driving stresses me out. There are too many idiots on the road, and far too many of them do dumb things that I cannot predict. Driving is also one of the primary contributors to greenhouse gases. Electric vehicles do not completely remediate this, since they rely on the power grid, which continues to get 63% of its energy from fossil fuels. 

In the age of coronavirus, fewer people want to use public transportation. When people take a bus or BART, it may subject them to a greater risk of contracting the virus. 

Because of the new computer software and other technology, many people can get most of their needs met without leaving their homes. This is a substantial opportunity for people with disabilities. A person can work at remote jobs and earn what they need to earn to make ends meet. We can order groceries delivered, often no more expensive than a trip to the supermarket. We can have medications delivered. We can communicate with helping professionals through the web. 

Any task that we can accomplish electronically, not involving an item physically delivered, is a direct reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. If we can accomplish more and more of our tasks through remote methods, this will be an essential segment of meeting the imperative goal of zero net carbon emissions. 

In the age of coronavirus, Zoom is fulfilling a tremendous role. We can see friends, relatives, doctors, and nurses through video. It is amazing how much video, as opposed to a voice call, helps me in my meetings with psychiatrists and psychologists. And the concept of obtaining work that I could perform remotely is a necessary source of hope. I already write for publications remotely. Yet, I could obtain a job (for real money, not just a feather in the cap--you can't eat that) in which the work is done from home through the computer. And I can usually receive paychecks electronically, eliminating a trip to the bank to deposit them. 

There are home-based business models that include no traffic of people or products in or out of the home. There are businesspersons and workers who conduct their practice remotely. This has advantages. Many people who have, in the past, had chronic difficulties with holding jobs may have a new lease on work, due to the ability to work from home. 

It is harder for mentally ill people to show up for a job than it is for non-afflicted people. Any method of remediating that, such as working remotely, helps us with our chances of maintaining employment. For many mentally ill people, it is far less scary to work from home. When we physically go to a job, it involves adapting to different surroundings, ones that could be overstimulating or that could just be unfamiliar. In work at an office or other jobsite, we have to adapt to a new and often more difficult environment. This is completely aside from accomplishing the tasks of the job.  

The ability to do work and to accomplish other objectives from home is a technologically produced change that levels the playing field for numerous disabled people in need of independence and a career. Furthermore, the fact that these technologies are inexpensive to the point where almost anyone can afford them, further levels the playing field. 

Members of the public lack understanding of the factors that limit mentally disabled people. One of the biggest hindrances of my psychiatric condition (when I'm in treatment) is transportation related. This is due to phobias and to getting stressed easily. 

Remote technology is within reach of most high-functioning mentally ill people. Internet has transitioned from a novelty into a necessity. 

Remote technology already helps many disabled people become less dependent on government assistance. For some, it could make the difference between a life of loneliness, poverty, and helplessness, versus one of plentitude and friends.