Whereas, Governor Ricketts removed people with underlying conditions from the 1B Priority Group for the Covid Vaccine

Whereas, If infected, people with Down Syndrome are five times more likely to be hospitalized and 10 times more likely to die than the general population,

Whereas, 83% of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are not receiving state services and part of the groups of people with disabilities that have not yet received the Covid Vaccine.

Whereas, Nebraska’s service system fails to recognize many people intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Whereas, people with disabilities are discriminated against throughout society.

Whereas, Test Nebraska has failed to properly consider people with disabilities.

Whereas, those with limited access to transportation have difficulty accessing testing.

Whereas, there is a lack of testing for those in community-based services.

Whereas, the testing process and data has not been transparent.

Whereas, it is crucial to ensure that people with disabilities are offered the equal protection of testing and ensure that our datasets include all members of the community.

Whereas, we have seen significant spikes across the world in facilities.

Whereas, Beatrice State Developmental Center has failed to provide a plan to ensure that people with disabilities under state care have proper access to testing.

Whereas, settings like nursing homes are in particular danger of high levels of infection.

Whereas, there are serious concerns that have remained not addressed regarding people with disabilities.

The Arc of Nebraska has been working for over 60 years to ensure that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities can live in the community.  Previously, the status quo was that people were forcefully segregated into isolation in institutions.  Now 2,332 people qualify for services under the developmental disabilities services waiver but are not receiving funding.  They instead have been forced onto a waiting list that could require them to wait for years to access vital services.

Over a decade ago the LR 156 report said, “Nebraska is at a crossroads with its obligation to Nebraska citizens with developmental disabilities. Several Nebraska Senators have recognized the urgent need to develop a strategic plan to address the current and future needs of citizens with DD and their families.” It seems that we have still failed to take the sort of serious action needed to help people with disabilities.  It’s time to ensure that we fully fund the waiting list.

(Sign Petition Below)