COVID-19 During Pregnancy Tied To Increased Risk Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

 Some babies who experience a COVID-19 infection in utero face nearly double the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders researchers say. Read More >

'COVID Babies' Aren't Talking As Much As They Should. How Much Is The Pandemic To Blame?

 Babies born during the pandemic are talking later and saying less, according to a growing body of research. And, experts say verbal delays are often the first sign of broader developmental issues. Read More >

For Many People With Disabilities, The COVID-19 Threat Hasn't Gone Away

 

As government agencies have cast off pandemic protections, many immunocompromised people and those with disabilities have felt forgotten. Read More >

COVID Harder On Those With Disabilities, Experts Say

 Many people with disabilities are more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill, making the current phase of the pandemic — and the desire to "move forward" — particularly frustrating. Read More >

For Parents Of Kids With Special Needs, Mask Mandates Can Be Difficult To Navigate

 

In places with mask mandates, children with disabilities who are unable to wear face coverings are being barred from entering some indoor spaces. Read More >

More Kids In The Hospital With COVID Renew Fears For Medically Fragile Children

 The coronavirus surge is alarming for families of children with disabilities and those who are medically fragile, particularly for kids younger than 5 — the age group still not eligible for shots. Read More >

Students With Disabilities Struggle In Remote Classes

 Months into the school year, students with disabilities in one district's remote study program are still grappling with nonexistent or slow-to-arrive accommodations and services. Read More >

People With Disabilities Left Behind In Push To Overcome Pandemic

 

Millions of Americans with disabilities are being overlooked during the pandemic recovery, stuck at home without therapy or social programs, and struggling to book COVID-19 vaccinations. Read More >

Changes Wrought By Pandemic Helped People With Disabilities. They're Not Ready To Give Them Up

 Some people with disabilities say they're hesitant about going back to in-person services and want to keep things virtual, but the practicality of whether that's possible remains uncertain. Read More >

She Has Down Syndrome, Then Got COVID-19. Could Amanda Hall Learn To Walk Again?

 

Cindy and Walt Hall are used to fighting for their daughter. Their toughest battle came when she caught the coronavirus. Read More >

Study: Among Vaccinated, Those With Down Syndrome Face Highest Risk From COVID-19

 People with Down syndrome are the most likely of all vaccinated adults to die from COVID-19, new research suggests. Read More >

Pandemic Leaves Families Of Children In Special Ed Feeling Left Behind

 With a wildly spreading delta variant, many families of vulnerable children with disabilities feel forgotten by state and school leaders and disregarded by those who reject mask wearing. Read More >

Study: Obesity rates in children increase during pandemic

 Researchers reported childhood obesity rates have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with before the crisis, with children ages 5 to 11 gaining an average of more than 5 pounds, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  About 36% of children ages 5 to 11 were considered overweight or obese before the pandemic, but that increased to 45.7%, the study showed.  Full Story: The Washington Post (tiered subscription model)

Parents Of High-Risk Students Face Tough Decisions Amid Delta Surge

 With many schools making masks optional, parents of children with disabilities and other health issues that put them at high risk for COVID-19 are left with few options to keep their kids safe. Read More >

Families Of People With IDD Rebuild Frayed Ties As Pandemic Eases

 Families of those with developmental disabilities have had their lives upended by the pandemic more than most, research shows, and now they're reuniting and trying to make up for lost time. Read More >

Disability Service Providers Face 'Unprecedented' Labor Shortage

 The pandemic has exacerbated an existing shortage of direct support professionals, forcing family caregivers to pick up the slack and some disability providers to close their doors. Read More >

Disney Can't Dodge Lawsuit After Boy With Autism Was Barred From Store

 A federal judge denied a request to dismiss a discrimination lawsuit brought by the mother of a boy with autism who was denied entry to a Disney Store because he could not wear a mask. Read More >

Family Suing After Maskless Student With Disability Barred From School

 The high schooler has a speech-related disability that makes it hard for him to pronounce certain sounds and letters — and also means he cannot wear a mask safely, according to a lawsuit. Read More >

Despite High Risk, Access To COVID-19 Vaccines Uneven For Those With IDD

 People with developmental disabilities are at significantly greater risk of dying from COVID-19, but whether or not individuals have access to vaccines is coming down to where they live. Read More >

Southwest Airlines Grounds Family Of Boy With Disabilities Over Mask Resistance

 The family of a child with disabilities says they were not allowed to board a Southwest Airlines flight after a flight attendant raised concerns that the boy would not wear a mask. Read More >