Home and community-based services will get a boost through the latest American Rescue Plan, which is much-needed but only provides funding for one year. Congress must get behind pending legislation to provide dedicated and continued supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Without these supports, we will not move the needle on inclusion and equity.
On Friday, March 12, The Arc’s Director of Government Affairs and Operation House Call Maura Sullivan appeared with Heather Hegedus on Boston 25 News to discuss The Arc’s ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure COVID-19 vaccine prioritization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in Massachusetts.
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.
