Social storiesTM were created by Carol Gray in 1991. They are short descriptions of a particular situation, event or activity, which include specific information about what to expect in that situation and why.
All children and young adults require support from caregivers during times of stress and
uncertainty, such as those we are facing now with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This 4-page booklet was created by and for people with intellectual disabilities. It is written in plain language. It includes basic information people need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Center for Disease Control, children under 2 years of age should not wear masks. Any child wearing a mask should never be left unattended.
The Autism Society of America believes that improving the vaccination experience is a critical step towards achieving more equitable healthcare for people with Autism and all neurodiverse individuals. As part of our strategic focus on health equity, the Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) is a national program that addresses systemic barriers, while promoting vaccine education, confidence, and access.
While engaging with communities and larger populations in the response to COVID-19, it is important to understand the needs of specific groups who might experience barriers to accessing information, care and support or be at higher risk of exposure and secondary impacts, such as children and adults with disabilities, who make up an estimated 15% of the population and are often invisible and excluded.
The Arc is greatly concerned about the threat of COVID-19 to people with disabilities, their families, and the workforce that supports them. We have compiled resources here to help people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and service providers understand this global pandemic.
