The Arizona Center for Disability Law sent a letter to the Arizona Department of Health Services, presenting guidance regarding the state’s COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan. The letter emphasized their thought that people with developmental disabilities be prioritized.
Sey In, an attorney with the ACDL said, “Many people within our community are worried about COVID-19 and when they will get vaccinated,” and that people with developmental disabilities are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or dying from the virus.
It is not known when they will be able to get vaccinated. “There is not really a lot of clear guidance as to when priority would happen,” said In.
The Center’s letter urged Arizona officials to re-structure their vaccination schedule to prioritize those individuals with developmental disabilities and people on their support team.
Cherrie Lonkar has four children with developmental disabilities and knows of the struggles to keep them safe. Lonkar was vaccinated through her work, but she wishes to advocate for other families to get priority.
“Whoever that may be; if that is mom, dad, foster parent, whoever is their caregiver should be vaccinated,” she said.
