Advocates for persons with disabilities in New Jersey worry that the state’s support system still hasn’t fully ready for the COVID-19 pandemic, let alone what would happen if there’s a second surge of infections in the fall or winter.
People with developmental disabilities have been hit hard by the pandemic – not just a mortality rate is approaching 3% in centers, but also the occupational and physical therapy in their development.
“Day programs and services remain closed and virtual options don’t work for some. She said support coordinators are telling her about an increase in behavioral issues in family homes”, said Catherine Chin, executive director of the Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities.
“We should anticipate that the mass trauma that is COVID-19 has and will lead to increased mental health, PTSD and behavioral issues for individuals with developmental disabilities,” Chin said.
New Jersey disability ombudsman Paul Aronsohn said the pandemic has been especially difficult, challenging and damaging for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
