On February 22, 2021 AADMD led the effort, along with 17 additional organizations, to encourage the CDC to prioritize people with IDD for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Currently, there is significant variability in how individuals with IDD are prioritized in vaccine allocation frameworks. We ask that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide a centralized framework for vaccine allocation with clear guidelines regarding risk that includes adults with IDD. - Letter to the CDC, NCBDDD & NCIRD from AADMD & Partners

Although we have yet to get an official response from the CDC, news outlets, such as Disability Scoop have covered the effort. We hope this advocacy effort will continue to pick up steam. Continue to check back for updates.

You can read our full letter here.

Thank you to our invaluable partners in this effort: Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group - USA, National Task Group, ACCSES, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources, AAIDD, Autism Society of America, UC UCEDD, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Natl Asscn of County BH and DD Directors (NACBHDD), National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, The Sibling Leadership Network, American Academy for Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), The Arc of the United States

Special thanks to our Policy Committee: Dr. Emily Johnson, Dr. Allen Wong, David Ervin, Dr. David Fray, Dr. Vincent Siasoco, Dr. Rick Rader, Dr. Seth Keller & Dr. Benjamin Margolis.