People with developmental disabilities need vaccine priority!
California is continuing to get vaccines distributed, based on a special set of priority “phases.” It started with “Phase 1A,” which included health care workers and first responders.
But people with developmental disabilities weren’t part of that group. Even though they are often at extra risk because of their disability (or disabilities), the state still hasn’t moved our community up the list.
YOU can help change this! We need to let Governor Newsom know that people with disabilities should be put in the very next group, “Phase 1B.” When you do:
- Introduce yourself! Be sure to say if you have a disability, are a family member, or work in the community.
- Explain that people with disabilities are at extra risk due to COVID-19, and need to be prioritized in Phase 1B.
- Thank them for considering our community.
A sample letter is also provided, which you can copy and paste into your email. But personalizing your message is always better!
To contact Governor Newsom, use the official online contact form. Choose “COVID-19” as your subject in the drop-down box on that page.
ARCA and the regional centers are working with community partners to help get our community prioritized for vaccinations. Yesterday, we co-sponsored a town hall webinar with Disability Voices United, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Rights California.
Did you miss it? The town hall is archived on Facebook for you to watch!
[This information was taken from ARCA. Click here to view the original message.]
