RALEIGH, N.C. -- COVID-19 is impacting people around the world, from the elderly and those with immune deficiencies to small businesses and healthcare facilities. And experts say another critical group already being hit are people with disabilities and their caretakers.

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with the newly appointed Executive Director of the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, Talley Wells, for an in-depth look at how people with disabilities are being impacted by the CoronaVirus, and how we all can help out. Unfortunately, some businesses that employ people with disabilities are being forced to shut down, leaving many people without a place to go during the day. And quite often, people with disabilities live with their parents or other caretakers in vulnerable populations. Wells says it’s everyone’s job to reach out to their neighbors and check on those who might be in need.

NCCDD launched it’s Five Year State Plan planning process this month to get input people in the disability community, to help create goals for the next five years, from 2022- 2026. CoronaVirus has delayed some of that travel and gatherings, but you can learn about the program right, and you can get involved on their website.

If you are a person with a disability or a caretaker, you can visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ website for resources and more information on COVID-19.

This article was broadcast on Spectrum News Charlotte on 3/16/2020 and 3/8/2020.