Resources around the COVID-19 vaccination process and impacts on the Intellectual & Developmental Disability (IDD) community

​Great Bay Services staff and our peers who also work with folks with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are now receiving our first vaccination shots, and we are told to expect that soon vaccination shots will be available to everyone we support. Please note that we will not be delivering the vaccine on-site at GBS. Please ask your case manager and/or primary care physician for information about vaccine delivery.
 
The decision of whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal one, and we at Great Bay Services recommend that you speak to your medical provider(s) and to your loved ones about this important decision.
 
In order to assist you in having these conversations, we have compiled the following resources which may help you in thinking about and talking through the COVID-19 vaccine and related subjects.

• The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities has developed a “social story” about the COVID-19 vaccine. A “social story” is a social learning tool that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with IDD and/or Autism.
• Green Mountain Self Advocates has produced the Self-Advocate’s Guide to COVID-19. It includes information on the virus itself, on financial concerns such as stimulus payments for folks receiving SSI & SSDI, and on speaking up for your needs in a hospital setting.
• The Arc of California and the Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare launched a new 24-hour support helpline to help persons with developmental disabilities and those who care for them during the COVID-19 pandemic, called Project Connect. Project Connect is able to offer a wide range of support services, including counseling, wellness checks, depression screening, and referral to community services. Project Connect is available by calling (888) 847-3209.
• Sibling & Leadership Network includes an excellent and comprehensive list of resources as well.

As we look forward to the coming months, and eagerly anticipate the time when we can all see one another again face-to-face, we welcome you reaching out to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have. Thank you for choosing to partner with Great Bay Services to meet your and your loved ones’ needs.

- Pam Layne, Executive Director