Get involved:Advocate today for First Vaccine Administration to Persons with I/DD
Who gets the vaccine first?
A COVID-19 vaccine is on the horizon. CDC and government officials have projected distribution to begin as early as next month. But so far, guidelines for distribution have not yet emphasized the importance of vaccinating persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities or Direct Support Professionals. Persons with I/DD have a heightened risk of COVID fatality, which is why it is so important we advocate for them to be first in line for the COVID vaccine. Additionally, it is important to protect the care workers who are in direct contact with them, providing the supports they need. Help us protect the I/DD population and those who provide them with services by contacting your New York State Senator and Representative today.
Over 100,000 New Yorkers with I/DD rely on Care Coordination Organizations such as Southern Tier Connect for connections to services that support their health and wellbeing. Help us ensure the continued safety of the people we support by advocating for them and their care workers to receive the vaccine first.
Ways you can help today
You can send an email, write a letter, or make a phone call.
- Contact your New York State Assembly Representative. You can find them here.
- Contact your State Senator. You can find them here.
Not sure what to write or say?
- Here is a sample letter you may use.
- Here is a sample script you may use for a telephone call:
Hello, { Senator/Assemblyman} {Last Name},
My name is {First, Last Name} and I am a voter in your district. My {son/daughter}, {name}, has an {intellectual/developmental} disability and receives care coordination services from Southern Tier Connect. I am calling today as a concerned parent to advocate that my child is given first priority for the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals with cognitive disabilities are three times more likely to die than those without. Therefore, I implore you to do your part and ensure that people like {child’s name} are given priority access to the vaccine and that you also prioritize the Direct Support Professionals who support people like my child, as the essential health care providers they are. Thank you.