Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) has been dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of those with disabilities for more than fifty years. The past year has strengthened the Agency’s mandate to do just that by delivering vaccines to those we serve.
Whether it is testing capacity, PPE distribution, innovate ways to stay connected, IT support, grants to local providers, Summit DD’s staff have remained committed to the health and safety of those we serve. With the help of Summit County Public Health (SCPH) and Akron Children’s Hospital, the majority of those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are well on their way to living a more inclusive life.
Phase 1A Updates
Phase 1A of the vaccines included individuals with developmental disabilities who live in congregate settings and their caregivers. Nearly 700 individuals and direct service providers received their first vaccine dose last month and their second dose last week.
“It would be great for everyone to get it [the vaccine],” explained Yvette Diaz, Executive Director of Ardmore, Inc. “Here’s to no more quarantines.”
Summit DD staff have supported individuals and providers in congregate settings with testing, PPE, training, grant funding and technical support throughout the pandemic. Read more about the Phase 1A clinics.
Phase 1B Updates
Phase 1B of the vaccines included individuals with a congenital condition and a developmental disability and may live at home or on their own. Through a partnership with SCPH and Akron Children’s Hospital, Summit DD hosted drive through clinics at their administrative offices in Tallmadge for more than 800 individuals. The second doses will be administered by the end of February.
“This has been a remarkable partnership that has come together between Summit DD, Summit County Public Health and Akron Children’s Hospital,” commented John Trunk, Summit DD Superintendent. “Literally hundreds of volunteers came together in the cold temperatures with a common purpose to connect people we serve to the community; I couldn’t be prouder.”
“The partnership has been great,” explained Dr. Eric Robinette, Akron Childrens Hospital Infectious Disease. “Between the relationships and expertise that Summit DD has with their clients and our expertise with vaccinating, that teamwork has been extremely effective.”
Between Phase 1A and 1B Summit DD estimates that more than sixty percent of those eligible for the vaccine have received it. Summit DD Service and Support Administrators will work with the remaining individuals who want the vaccine and are currently receiving services to obtain them at participating service providers.
