Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at greater risk—three times greater than the general population—of COVID-19 complications and/or death. That risk factor is higher than those of most serious medical conditions. Yet only 10 states have listed adults with IDD as a prioritized population in their vaccine action plans. I serve as a member…
I have been reading the proposed changes to North Carolina’s Innovations waiver services and supports, which are designed for individuals with significant intellectual or developmental disabilities, in order to offer some comment to the state and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. One thing I’ll be giving feedback about isn’t actually changing but…
Autism and disability pride movements assert unique cultures and identities. Can intellectually disabled people be more openly and equitably represented in them—and also better develop intellectual disability as a unique, empowered movement all its own? When I tell my intellectually disabled and autistic 19-year-old son, Nicholas, that I love him, he often responds with…
Part of this piece was written for a recent conference panel talk—that actually instead turned into pure Q&A—so the beginning, at least, starts off pretty formally with background. Like all my work involving him, my son Nicholas has read and approved this article, because he hopes his journey—and ours together—will help others. My son, Nicholas,…
