Landes quoted in New York Times article on COVID-19, people with IDD

November 11, 2020

The New York Times

Scott Landes

Sociology Department

Aging Studies Institute

Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health

COVID-19

IDD

United States

The New York Times

Scott Landes

"Historically, it’s been a challenge for this population to receive good medical care," says Scott Landes, associate professor of sociology. Because of their disabilities, they may have difficulty wearing a mask or maintaining social distance, or even understanding why the precautions are needed, he says. "If you’ve got someone whose cognitive ability is severely reduced, just understanding what’s going on and why they have to wear a mask would be very confusing," Landes says. Read more in the New York Times article, "Covid Threatens People With Intellectual and Developmental Challenges." 11/11/20