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In the United States, one in four adults has a disability and the pandemic has disproportionately impacted this community and made it more difficult to access care. Some people with disabilities were more likely to become infected with or have a severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or living situations. The pandemic also affected their psychological and financial health, with people with disabilities experiencing higher rates of unemployment than the general population. While individuals with disabilities were often given higher priority status for receiving the vaccine, many of the COVID-19 vaccine websites violated disability rights, hindering access.

This webinar will explore these challenges and showcase strategies to address the diverse needs of people living with disabilities and work toward health equity. Expert panelists will discuss:

• The pandemic’s impact on individuals with disabilities and Johns Hopkins’ partnership to create a database on the prioritization of the disability community in COVID-19 vaccine distribution

• A health plan’s response to support people with disabilities during the pandemic, expanding telehealth and increased care options, and addressing comorbidities and the needs of COVID-19 longhaulers

• Addressing the intersection of disability, race, and ethnicity to achieve health equity and the importance of cultural and linguistic competency in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities