Toronto Public Health is hosting a vaccination clinic catering to Torontonians with disabilities and a fear of needles.
The clinic will be held on Jan. 31st from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.
Deborah Gold, executive director of the BALANCE for Blind Adults said the clinic is an opportunity for people to get vaccinated in an environment where they get the support they need.
“Oftentimes it’s difficult for people with disabilities,” says Gold, adding the barrier-free clinic will offer sighted guides and sign language interpretation.
“They’re a vulnerable group and we’re encouraging people to get vaccinated,” Kelly MacKenzie, the executive director of Silent Voice told Humber News.
“It could be deaf children with hearing parents, but regardless of who has a disability or is deaf, the clinic is accessible,” MacKenzie said
MacKenzie said staff members help deaf residents book an appointment through the booking system online.
“We actually work with deaf folk to navigate the system, going online with them, make the booking with them and show them how to do it,”
Both MacKenzie and Gold’s organizations worked with Toronto Public Health to help promote accessible clinics last year. Gold says they thought it would be a good idea to have another, especially with the Omicron variant threat.
MacKenzie said the clinic will also have private spaces set up to help soothe concerns of people who are afraid of needles.
The clinic will be provided individuals with first, second and third does of Pfizer for 30 and under and Moderna for 30 and up.
This announcement comes on the two-year anniversary of the first reported COVID-19 case in Toronto.