In the UK, research shows that 76% of people with learning disabilities feel they do not matter to the government.  This is very concerning especially since data shows the danger of contracting COVID-19 for people with learning disabilities and autism is much higher than for the wider population.  In Steve Cown’s article, People with learning disabilities should be prioritsed for a Covid vaccine, found in The Guardian, is urging the UK government to reconsider their decision on having learning-disabled people be vaccinated alongside the rest of the working-age population.  In the UK, it is said that COVID-19 death rates for learning disabilities is more than four times higher than the general population. Cown argues, “The pandemic should be a catalyst for change in how we as a society treat people with learning disabilities-we have an opportunity to start today.”

 

Photo Credit:  Steve Parsons/PA