ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic affects all of us, but consequences are more serious for those who are older or have chronic conditions and immune disorders. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) frequently present with the same risk factors but are largely forgotten in the care, response, and policy discussion. Social workers, working in care management roles, must give equal attention to back-up plans, when caregivers becomes ill, and to advanced care planning for both the caregiver and the person with I/DD. Training is needed for extra vigilance for symptoms for family members and staff working in settings with people who have I/DD. Procedures and strategies are needed for taking seriously any symptoms observed, rather than attributing such symptoms to disability. For people with I/DD, who often have smaller social groups and have fewer opportunities to find virtual alternatives, this loss of key connections will be felt even more.
