The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) is monitoring the COVID-19 situation and evaluating how it could impact Texans with developmental disabilities (DD).

As the situation unfolds, disability-related organizations and government agencies are responding by providing information, resources, and guidance. COVID-19 information and resources that may be useful for self-advocates, families, and disability advocates will be shared on our website and through our social media channels. To access the information and resources, or to share your story, see the resources below:

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines includes information about phases of vaccine eligibility, where people with disabilities can get vaccinated, and the timeline for vaccine rollout in Texas. This section also includes considerations for direct-support professionals and vaccine providers to help provide the support that people with disabilities may need when they receive vaccines.

Individuals and Families

Individuals and Families includes information about COVID-19 and how it could impact people with disabilities. This section explains how the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) is affecting Medicaid benefits, COVID-19 vaccine and testing, and FDA emergency use organizations. It also features resources designed to increase awareness and understanding of COVID-19.

Engagement

Engagement includes information about the efforts being undertaken to engage decision-makers on issues related to COVID-19. In this section, you’ll find information from organizations both in and outside of Texas, including how you can subscribe to receive their updates and advocate for the issues that are important to you.

Government

Government includes information from state and federal government agencies. These agencies either oversee public health efforts, or they oversee the provision of services and supports for people with disabilities. Information could include data related to COVID-19, guidance for service providers, or updates to policies.

Letter to Public Health Officials

TCDD Letter to Texas Public Health Officials: COVID-19 Response for People With Developmental Disabilities.

Texas COVID Stories

In the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, TCDD collected stories from across Texas to learn how COVID-19 impacted the lives of people with disabilities and their family members. In 2020, we conducted two surveys to learn about the effects of the initial shutdown, school and workplace changes, social distancing, and other disruptions to daily life. In April 2021, we conducted a third survey to learn how the ongoing pandemic continued to affect lives and access to resources. You can read the stories and learn more about the pandemic’s impact on Texans with disabilities on the Texas COVID Stories page.