Witness Testimony

Adam Zimpel, a 39-year-old severely disabled man, testified using assistive computer technology to communicate his responses. He stated that in early 2020 he obtained his dream job as a home-based travel agent, but lost the position following Ontario’s declaration of a state of emergency and the collapse of the travel industry. As a result of pandemic measures, his daily routine was significantly disrupted.
He testified that his personal support workers stopped coming during the lockdown period, leaving his mother to assume the role of primary caregiver. He stated that he never received a COVID-19 vaccination and that, with the introduction of vaccine passport policies, he would not have been permitted to access restaurants or social venues even if he had been able to go out. He described the loss of community activities and dining experiences as especially difficult, noting that routine stability is particularly important for individuals with disabilities.
Zimpel stated that neither he nor his mother were afraid of the virus and expressed concern about broader public health responses. He indicated that allowing his support workers to leave was a decision he later regretted. He concluded by describing the cumulative impact of employment loss, caregiver disruption, and social exclusion as having affected him more severely due to his disability and reliance on structured routines and community supports.