2.2 IMPACT ON PARTICULAR GROUPS IN SOCIETY 2.2.1 People with disabilities On 13 March 2020, the European Disability Forum (EDF) in an open letter to EU leaders and Member States addressed the range of risks persons with disabilities face, including disruption of services and support, pre-existing health conditions which leave them more at risk of developing serious illness or dying, and being excluded from health information and mainstream health provision. This echoes concerns expressed by the Special Rapporteur for persons with disabilities that persons with disabilities are being “left behind” in efforts to contain the pandemic.144 Member States have taken measures to address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. Italy introduced home-assistance for students with disabilities.145 The Bulgarian government included additional funding of BGN 20 million (approximately €10 million) for municipalities to expand their social support services and cover more beneficiaries (including persons with disabilities).146 Special leave for parents of children with disabilities following school or day-centre closure have been introduced in a number of Member States. Challenges remain, however. On 20 March, the Belgian rail operator, SNCB, announced that it would no longer assist persons with disabilities.147 In response, the National Superior Council of Persons with Disabilities in Belgium has called on SCNB to ensure that any measures taken are properly publicised and that there is the possibility to provide assistance in urgent situations.148 In Slovakia, the Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities suspended all group sessions for self-advocates and closed their sheltered workshop.149 30