Committee Holds Virtual Briefing on Impact of COVID-19 for Seniors, Individuals with Disabilities

Statement

Today, the Committee on Education and Labor held a virtual Member briefing to examine the challenges facing seniors and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The briefing, entitled "Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities," focused on how the aging and disability populations are particularly vulnerable to both COVID-19 and to collateral consequences arising from social distancing measures.

According to the CDC, individuals aged 65 years and older account for nearly 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths. Additionally, long-term care facilities that support millions of aging Americans and individuals with disabilities have experienced widespread infection outbreaks.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the lives and livelihoods of all Americans, but the impact has been particularly severe for seniors and people with disabilities," said Chairman Scott. "Congress has delivered urgent relief for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the workers who care for them in recent COVID-19 response packages. However, as we recognized by passing the Heroes Act on Friday, Congress must continue to secure additional relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and their care providers."

The briefing featured expert testimony from Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of the Department of Disability and Aging Services for the City and County of San Francisco, and Kelly Buckland, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living.

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