Make your voice heard. Break down barriers to vaccines
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have serious impacts in the lives of people with disabilities everywhere. Now that safe and effective vaccines are available and rolling out in communities across Canada, getting vaccinated is the single most effective thing we all can do to protect ourselves now and get back to normal soon.
Many people with disabilities will be eligible to be vaccinated before the general population. Join our campaign to ensure vaccination clinics in your community are convenient, supportive and barrier-free for every person who wants a shot at a COVID-free future. There should be no roadblocks to immunity.
This campaign is now closed. Thank you to everyone who added their voices to speak up for barrier-free vaccinations. Thanks to you, we reached elected officials across the country, asking them to commit to accessibility in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
A shot at a COVID-free future
The pandemic continues to have a serious impact on the lives of people with disabilities across Canada, who find themselves increasingly isolated and lonely, facing new financial stresses, and with reduced access to health care and supports.
Many people with disabilities are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19 – especially those living in congregate settings with shared spaces, those who receive regular home care, and those with underlying chronic health conditions. That’s why many people with disabilities will be eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 before the general population. For information about the vaccine rollout in your area,
visit your provincial/territorial COVID-19 website.
Andrew’s story
Take Andrew, who lives in a supportive housing unit in Toronto, Ontario.
Andrew lives with cerebral palsy and before the pandemic, led an active life as a consultant and speaker who traveled often for work. As of March 2021,
Andrew hasn’t left his apartment for three months – and hasn’t seen his family in-person for six months – due to the risk of exposure.
For
Andrew, access to the vaccine is crucial to resume even the basics of everyday life.
Andrew receives essential support from attendant care workers up to five times daily, meaning that self-isolation and social distancing aren’t possible for him. Being vaccinated will mean he can feel safe in his own home again, and venture outdoors without fear.
When
Andrew does receive his vaccination, it needs to be on-site at his supportive living facility, or else accessible transportation needs to be provided. He will also need assistance from a designated support worker to physically assist him. Countless people like
Andrew across Canada are anxiously awaiting their vaccines but concerned about whether they will be able to physically access vaccination clinics or have the support they need on-site.
