Incapacity advocates ask Gov. Ducey to prioritize folks with disabilities for COVID-19 vaccine

TUCSON (KVOA) – The Arizona Center for Disability Law and other disability rights organizations are calling on Governor Doug Ducey to improve accessibility and ensure effective communication for those who are hard of hearing or deaf.

In addition, the groups asked Ducey to create a plan for those who cannot leave their homes to get vaccinated and for those who are in close contact with them.

The Arizona Center for Disability Law and other disability rights organizations sent a letter to the governor on February 26, asking for his help in improving these conditions.

The governor’s office has yet to answer.

On Thursday morning, the Arizona Center for Disability Law, Arc of Arizona, and the Arizona Commission On Deaf and Hard of Hearing held a press conference at which individuals could voice their concerns.

During the press conference, these individuals and their families asked the governor, along with the other disability rights organizations, to contact the Arizona Center for Disability and Law for shelter because they are at risk.

The Associated Press reported that Arizona Department of Health director Dr. Cara Christ, claimed the age-based plan will actually result in people with disabilities being eligible sooner when asked about the matter.

Editor’s Note: This story was written by Rosa Garcia of News 4 Tucson.