Key Partner: UCEDD

Delaware has been actively working with the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies, Delaware’s UCEDD, to develop a survey for older Delawareans, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to learn how their vaccine experience has been. In particular, Delaware is hoping to gain insights on better ways to provide vaccines and boosters in a more accessible and equitable manner in the future.

The survey and an interview process are now live, and interest is gaining momentum. Participants have the option to participate in the study through an anonymous survey and/or brief phone or Zoom interview. After gathering basic demographic information, participants are asked about their vaccine status, barriers they encountered when accessing the vaccine in Delaware, and factors that facilitated their access to the vaccine and encouraged them to get vaccinated when experiencing vaccine hesitancy.

When requested, participants are also linked to additional resources, including accommodations for the vaccine accessed through the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and plain language, disability-friendly materials that explain the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccines.

Once the survey and interview phase has ended, responses will be evaluated for trends. Results will be shared with community stakeholders and used to shape future training, technical assistance, and resources available to providers, those who are aging, people with disabilities, and caregivers by focusing on those barriers most commonly experienced by participants and building upon those factors that enhanced vaccine access. Preliminary findings are being used to curate an online repository of resources, strategies, and best practices to promote inclusive and accessible preventative care.