Everyone Can Use Ramps, So Don't Forget These "Steps": Disability Accessibility at COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone around the globe, but for some the impact was drastic and even more life-threatening. People with disabilities historically struggle with health inequities and inaccessible health care, but many of these disparities are now magnified due to the pandemic. Most of the safeguards put in place by health care systems to manage the pandemic were implemented without any input or consideration from individuals with disabilities. With the arrival of COVID vaccines, health care systems and vaccine administrators have the opportunity to ensure a more inclusive and accessible vaccine rollout plan to prevent further marginalization of our largest minority group. We present our story and list simple steps to ensure that the "shots in arms" get into everyone, not just the most "able bodied."