Socio-Economic Circumstances of Children with Disabilities in Zimbabwe in the face of COVID-19 pandemic in Rujeko High Density, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

The article discusses the socioeconomic challenges encountered by children with disabilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rujeko High-Density suburb, Masvingo Province. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, punctuated by a case study research designs to have a deeper understanding of the realities of children with disabilities. Utilising a social model conceptual framework, children with disabilities live secluded lives due to exclusion and discrimination. The study was motivated by a lack of attention towards challenges encountered by children with disabilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings suggest that some of the challenges included; lack of access to online learning, transportation challenges and limited mobility at schools. Removing these barriers should not be a charitable act but rather a mandate to ensure their well-being. The children with disabilities were also employing different copying strategies which include, debrief from friend, begging for learning material and making attempts to benefit from public Wi-Fi hotspots.