The Arc of Massachusetts Releases Statement on Urgent Need to Prioritize Persons with I/DD and Their Caregivers for the COVID-19 Vaccine

The Arc of Massachusetts released the following press statement today in light of another study released on March 5, 2021, which exposes the severe impact on COVID-19 for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism. This study of over 64 million patients across 547 health care organizations reveals that having an intellectual disability is the greatest risk factor, other than old age, associated with COVID-19 deaths. We are asking to please prioritize individuals with I/DD and autism and their caregivers during Phase 2 of vaccine distribution in Massachusetts.
The Arc of Massachusetts Releases 2021-2022 Legislative Platform
COVID-19: Leo’s Letter: Moving Forward Together
Contact Your Representative: Ensure FY22 Budget Funding to Support Individuals with I/DD and Autism
Leo’s Letter: Only Increasing Inclusion Will End Bias

Over 10 years, the Boston University School of Social Work and The Arc of Massachusetts partnered on health care research (published in Health and Social Work in November 2010) which reported that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face health care disparities and inequities in four areas: access, knowledge, communication, and quality.