COVID-19 and Preserving Human Rights for People with Down Syndrome

As medical systems plan for a possible flood of COVID-19 patients, healthcare professionals in the United States may draft guidance to ration care in order to ensure the largest number of people will survive the pandemic. However, LuMind IDSC has read reports of at least two cases from Alabama and Washington State where the guidance could limit access to needed care for people with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, in violation of non-discrimination laws. Several organizations, led by the Arc and The Center for Public Representation, recently filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

LuMind IDSC is coordinating with other leading Down syndrome organizations to prevent discrimination in the provision of care and treatments for people with Down syndrome.