Patient Voices

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Although people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, most recover from the disease. Listen to the voices of people with IDD recounting their experience of having COVID-19 and the importance of support networks to their recovery.

Sharing a personal story can help create awareness about the disease or it might give hope to someone who is ill with COVID-19. We invite caregivers and adults with developmental disabilities who recovered from being ill with COVID-19 to share their story. Contact us by email at ddpcp@surreyplace.ca.

Tim’s story (57 years old, from Canada)

“I don’t remember learning about coronavirus before I got sick. I was in the hospital and had to rest.”, says Tim. “Don’t be afraid about getting this virus, the doctors will help you get better.”

Shannon’s story (24 years old, from England)

How my carer saved me during lockdown (Jun7, BBC News, England)

As a naturally sociable person, Shannon found it difficult to distance herself from other people while unwell.
No-one close to Shannon wanted her to move to a secure unit far away from her family. And so Caroline came up with a solution. She told her bosses that she would move in with Shannon while she recovered from coronavirus.

Luis’ story (23 years old, from United States)

Patient with Down Syndrome beats odds beating COVID-19 (July 27, USA)

After a 56-day battle, Luis, 23, claimed victory over COVID-19 as he left the hospital in a “send-off celebration”.

“I was never scared the whole time, not even once,” Luis said with a brave smile, adding that he is most excited about spending recovery playing with his German shepherd and watching wrestling on TV.

Derick’s story (71 years old, from England)

Engineer thanks therapists for helping his 71-year-old brother to walk again after Covid (October 10, England)

Before going into hospital, Derick lived in supported accommodation and carried out everyday tasks independently, like making a simple meal, and he also had a part time job in a local bakery.

We found the key to Derick’s recovery was linking his therapy to the things he likes doing, and his normal routine, like encouraging him to walk to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and doing his laundry

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