COVID-19 Medical Rationing
As the COVID-19 crisis increases in the United States, and the critical need for medical care surges, Disability Rights New Jersey is concerned that there may be shortages of medical equipment, which may lead to rationing. In a letter (above) addressed to Governor, Phil Murphy on April 3, 2020, Gwen Orlowski, Executive Director of the protection & advocacy agency, emphasizes that the lives of people with disabilities are inherently valuable, and under the law, they have an equal right to health care treatment, and any policies developed by the state must adhere to these civil right protections.
December 16
November 22
April 16 - Letter to DOH Followup on Allocation of Critical Care Resources
April 3 - Letter to Governor Murphy Addressing Concerns Over Rationing of Medical Supplies
Disability Rights New Jersey Board member Dan Florio, Esq. was recently profiled in an article by The Atlantic "Americans with Disabilities are Terrified” in which he shares his fear over the reality of his care, should he fall ill and need intubation. Dan was born with spinal muscular atrophy and does not have use of his arms or the ability to walk. Without the ability to speak, or the use of gestures to communicate with doctors, he would be in an "awake coma for weeks...The fear of that…it’s overwhelming," he said in the interview to The Atlantic.
What You Can Do If You Find Yourself or a Loved One in This Situation:
Familiarize yourself with the ADA laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination.
Raise these issues with care providers in the event of your illness or that of a loved one.
Be aware and if you believe this is happening or have encountered this issue in the care of a loved one, let us know.