Relative Invisibility Makes For Uphill Battle To Get Covid Vaccines For Americans With IDD

The transcript discusses the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the experiences of Allen Cohen and Carmen Houston Ludlam, who both faced increased risks and difficulties in accessing vaccines. The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes and other organizations struggled to prioritize and vaccinate this vulnerable population. The transcript also addresses the lack of data collection and reporting on COVID-19 outcomes for the IDD community, emphasizing their relative invisibility in society.

What is the primary service provided by the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes?

• Healthcare services for the elderly

• Financial assistance for low-income families

• Assisted living for individuals with IDD

• Educational programs for children

Why are individuals with IDD at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes?

• They have access to better healthcare facilities

• They have underlying health conditions and live in close contact settings

• They often live in isolated environments

• They have stronger immune systems

What was a major challenge faced by group homes in vaccinating residents and caretakers?

• Lack of vaccine supply

• Difficulty in getting prioritized by states

• Residents refusing the vaccine

• High cost of vaccines

What did Senators Elizabeth Warren, Maggie Hassan, and Patty Murray request regarding COVID-19 data?

• To increase funding for COVID-19 research

• To require all states to report COVID-19 data for individuals with IDD

• To stop collecting data on COVID-19

• To prioritize healthcare workers for vaccination

What is a significant barrier to understanding COVID-19 trends in the IDD community?

• Lack of interest from researchers

• Insufficient data collection and reporting

• Too much data being collected

• High cost of data analysis

Why was Carmen Houston Ludlam prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine in Maryland?

• She is a frontline worker

• She is over 75 years old

• She has Down syndrome, making her more susceptible to COVID-19

• She works in a healthcare facility

What activities does Carmen Houston Ludlam enjoy?

• Ukulele, snowboarding, and swimming

• Playing video games

• Cooking gourmet meals

• Traveling the world