Inclusion Ireland call for clarity for people with disabilities in Government Covid vaccine plan

Responding to the launch of the Government’s Covid-19 vaccine allocation strategy, Inclusion Ireland have called for clarity for people with disabilities, their families and carers, after these groups were left out of the published plan.

Reacting following the publication of the strategy, Enda Egan, CEO of Inclusion Ireland, said: “We were very much hoping for clarity today for people with intellectual disabilities, their families and their carers, but they seem to have been left in limbo by the Government.

“People with disabilities are not mentioned once during the plan, despite many being categorised as ‘at risk’, especially those in congregated settings. We need to know where they sit in this plan, and what impact the vaccination plan will have on Day Services and supports. Covid-19 and the public health restrictions have had a particularly harsh impact on people with disabilities and their families, who have experienced isolation and loneliness. They, and their support workers, need to be prioritised appropriately.

“We also need to see accessible, easy-to-read information and consent forms made available for people with intellectual disabilities.

“While we welcome the publication of this plan, the widespread expressions of hope and relief we’ve seen today have not been shared by those with a disability or their families. We need further information and clarity as soon as possible, and we will be engaging with the Minister on this as a matter of urgency.”

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