Participants in the province's Community Living DisAbility Services program, who live with an intellectual or cognitive disability and need support with basic needs and care, were prioritized for their first COVID-19 vaccine doses in mid-March, along with people with serious health issues. Most live in 24/7 shift-staffed homes in the province and have several medical conditions as well.
The majority of roughly 7,500 people who receive support through CLDS have been able to get their first dose at vaccination supersites or clinics, according to Abilities Manitoba, a coalition of non-profit services for adults in the province with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
But about 200 people have sensory issues that would make the experience at a vaccine site too overwhelming and stressful.
Agencies who support these individuals in Manitoba are calling on the province to consider making mobile vaccinations more accessible. Read the whole story, where Arcane Horizon's Senior Director, Chris Bauer provides his insight and support.