Will County Vaccinates 600 Residents With Special Needs

JOLIET, IL — Some 600 Will County residents with special needs received coronavirus vaccines Saturday during a shot clinic designed specifically for them.

The event was organized by Katie Weber, a Will County emergency response coordinator and the parent of a child with Angelman Syndrome, the county's health department said in a news release. Weber worked with local groups for parents of special needs children and adults to create the clinic.

The event was designed to be wheelchair-accessible and sensory friendly, and drive-thru inoculations were offered for people with mobility issues.

The clinic was held at the St. Charles Center at Lewis University, and signage was provided by Lewis University occupational and speech therapy students to help clinic participants better understand what was happening.

The health department said the clinic was made possible with the help of Nanci Reiland, a county health board member, Chicago Angel Mamas and several volunteers.

Lunch for volunteers was provided by Steve Buresh's Cheesecake Store and Sandwich Shop, and Lockport Township Fire Department provied aid.

The county said other special needs vaccination clinics are coming soon. Details will be shared on the health department's Facebook page.