Tell Congress:
People with ID deserve vaccine access now
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One year ago today, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Our friends with intellectual disabilities (ID) have been even more isolated and at risk this year, and we need to speak up with them for equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Friend, support people with ID on this anniversary of the pandemic. Tell your members of Congress to prioritize people with ID for the COVID-19 vaccine:

We have all struggled in our own ways this year — but the effects of this pandemic have not been equal. The impacts of the pandemic have been enormous for people with ID: They are almost 6 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than the general population.

That’s why it’s sad that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has left people with ID off its list of those who are at risk for severe COVID-19 illness. That means people with ID will not be prioritized for access to the vaccine. We know that people with ID have a much higher risk of dying from COVID-19 and could wait months more to get the vaccine, only getting access at the same time as the general population.

We cannot let people with ID get left behind during this health crisis. People with ID should have access to the vaccine now, and your voice can help them get that access.

We fight every day for people with ID to live full, healthy, happy lives. And when the full force of the Special Olympics community speaks out, our lawmakers will listen.

We can right this wrong and protect people with ID. Please, tell Congress to ensure people with ID get priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine now.

Thank you for speaking out,

Mary Davis
Chief Executive Officer
Special Olympics