COVID-19 Information for People with Disabilities

The UCCEDD wants to provide as much helpful information as possible during this COVID-19 Pandemic. Below are listed websites and other electronic resources relating to COVID-19. If you have any questions, please contact us, UCUCEDD@cchmc.org

Another comprehensive resource list can be found here. This was compiled collaboratively by many organizations and people. Special thanks to the editors: Regional Autism Advisory Council, Autism Society Greater Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Children’s Social Workers from the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) for updating.

**Resources in purple developed by UCCEDD/DDBP/CCHMC**

COVID-19 FAQ

VACCINE INFORMATION

Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine New York State of Opportunity Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
Ohio COVID-19 Vaccination Program
Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
- Social Story – Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Common Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine
Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities COVID-19 Information
DODD
Un derstanding COVID-19 Vaccines Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How to Talk About Vaccines with People with DD (Plain Language) Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Covid-19 Vaccine Information in Plain Language– developed by the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)
Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a UC Health physician, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
County Resources:
- Hamilton County DDS (see website)
- Butler County BDD, Questions? reach out to your SSA or call our main number at (513) 785-2800.
- Clermont County BDD Information from the December 29 COVID-19 Vaccine Town Meeting is below:
  - Video Link
  - PowerPoint Presentation
  - For additional information, please refer to the Vaccination Information Page on the Clermont County Public Health Website: ccphohio.org
- Warren County BDD (see website)

SCHOOL RELATED RESOURCES

Decision Making Supports

School Related Webinars

Guidance & Recommendations

CDC: 10 Public Health Strategies to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
AAP COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-Entry
Healthy Children: Return to School During COVID-19
CDC: Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020
CDC: Considerations for Schools
CDC: Considerations for K-12 Schools: Readiness and Planning Tool (checklist)

GENERAL INFORMATION & GUIDANCE

Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation – COVID-19 Accessible Resources
Institute for Patient and Family Centered Care – Family Presence During a Pandemic: Guidance for Decision-Making
CDC – COVID-19 information and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC – Information specifically for people with developmental and behavioral disorders
CDC – Q&A for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
Understanding the coronavirus and how to stay as healthy as possible
Coronavirus: What Is It and What Can I Do – from the Arc of Maryland and the Maryland DD Council
Texas A&M University Project REDD – Prevention of COVID-19: Modifications and Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
The Center for START Services – COVID-19 information and resources from leaders on mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) – Provides information and FAQs about COVID-19, and on animal welfare during the pandemic.
The American Red Cross – Red Cross delivers services providing relief and support to those in crisis and helps people respond in emergencies.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Provides information on FEMA’s COVID-19 response.
Ready.gov – Provides information and guidelines regarding a pandemic, as well as COVID-19 specific information.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Food safety and COVID-19
U.S. Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19 – Provides information on the U.S. Government response to the pandemic.

United Nations – Provides COVID-19 information, updates, and resources.
World Health Organization – Provides COVID-19 updates, information, and resources.
World Health Organization – Provides COVID-19 advice for the public.

ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TOOLS

Plain Language Information on Coronavirus
Coronavirus Fact Sheet – Provides information on COVID-19 and is available in 13 languages.
When I Have to Stay Home – This book is intended to help explain the reasons for staying home instead of attending adult day programming during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Visual Communication Card Mobile – Communication cards for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Population for mobile devices.
Visual Communication Card – Communication cards for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population.
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities – The Ohio Latino Affairs Commission has created a robust website with bilingual coronavirus resources
The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs – COVID-19 Resources
Green Mountain Self-Advocates – Plain language tips for working with support staff during COVID-19
AssistiveWare – Keep augmentative and alternative communication devices germ free during the Coronavirus
CCHMC – steps to help ease kids’ fears and anxieties about COVID-19
Coronavirus- A Book for Children
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center – tele-intervention and distance learning
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus- A Book for Children
Story on wearing masks in public during COVID-19
How to Talk to Kids about Grief, Loss, and Change…
Social Distancing Social Narrative
COVID-19 from the CDC
How Do I Get Tested for COVID-19?
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus – PBS (Daniel Tiger to Sesame Street) songs & videos

ADVOCACY & RIGHTS RESOURCES

COVID-19 Fact Sheet for People with Disabilities
Green Mountain Self-Advocates – Links to Coronavirus information for self-advocates
Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities – Safeguard Against Disability Discrimination During COVID-19
Ethical Schools – Vulnerable Students’ Needs and Rights in Pandemic: Threats and Opportunities (a podcast)

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Understood – Information on the legal FAQs on the Coronavirus, school closures, and special education.
Ethical Schools – Vulnerable Students’ Needs and Rights in Pandemic: Threats and Opportunities (a podcast)
Partners Resource Network – Resources and information about special education services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Share My Lesson – Information and resources regarding teaching during the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as an online community.
National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools – Information on how COVID-19 may impact students with disabilities
U.S. Department of Education – A Q&A on providing services to students with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights – Webinar on website accessibility during the COVID-19 outbreak.
U.S. Department of Education – Provides COVID-19 information and resources for schools and school personnel.
Disability Rights Ohio – Compensatory Education and ESY Discussions After COVID-19
Autism Little Learners: Resources and ideas for families and educators

MEDICAL CARE & HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Administration for Community Living – Information older adults and people with disabilities need to know about COVID-19.
Alliance for Aging Research – Q&A about COVID-19 for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
Complex Child – Ten COVID-19 Preparations to do right now for medically complex families.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Partner Toolkit can be found here.
Department of Health and Human Services – COVID-19 State and Local Pandemic Planning Checklist.
HealthyChildren.org – Is it ok to call the pediatrician during COVID-19 even if I’m not sure if my child is sick (in English and Espanol)
The Ohio Department of Health – Resources for parents and families, COVID-19 checklists, Resources for economic support, Coping with COVID-19 anxiety, Stay at home order frequently asked questions, Q&A about COVID-19 for older adults and people with chronic health conditions.

American Heart Association – 25 ways to get moving at home
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Visit the CMS Newsroom to find information and press releases about COVID-19.
Public Health Foundation – training on COVID-19 and personal protective equipment
National Library of Medicine – Provides information for medical researchers and public health researchers on COVID-19.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Provides COVID-19 information and resources.

MENTAL HEALTH & COPING STRATEGIES

Crisis Prevention Institute – Proven verbal de-escalation tips during time of increased tension
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Provides COVID-19 updates, information and resources.
Mental Health First Aid – Information on how to know if someone is experiencing anxiety or depression amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental Health First Aid – Information on how to help someone with anxiety or depression during COVID-19.
Mental Health First Aid – Information on how to support a loved one going through a tough time during COVID-19.
Mental Health First Aid – Tips and information about how to care for yourself while practicing physical distancing.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Mental health information and resources on COVID-19.
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Information about the potential implications of COVID-19 for individuals with substance use disorders
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Provides COVID-19 information and updates.
Resource for Families – Talking to kids about Coronavirus, Managing Stress & Anxiety, Resources for Crises or Extra Support

CARETAKING & SUPPORTIVE STRATEGIES

Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules – Toolkit with information and resources on supporting individuals with autism through uncertain times.
National Association of School Psychologist s – Health Crisis Resources: COVID-19 information and resources available for teachers and parents.
AssistiveWare – Keep augmentative and alternative communication devices germ free during the Coronavirus
Green Mountain Self-Advocates – Plain language tips for working with support staff during COVID-19
Addressing Difficult Behaviors at Home
Beyond Words – these tools are meant for care providers to share with adults with IDD. In order to access these materials, you have to “order” the free download. Planning Ahead, Good & Bad Days During Stay-at-Home Order, Beating the Virus if You Become Sick and What to do When Someone Dies from Coronavirus
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Online toolkit for those supporting individuals with autism during COVID-19 epidemic
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) – communications and links to helpful resources that will advise people with disabilities, their families, service providers, direct support professionals, county boards of developmental disabilities and the community at large.
American Psychological Association – Advice for caregivers of children with disabilities in the era of COVID-19
Childcare Aware – News and resources for child care professionals, families and policymakers
Taking Charge of Your Child’s Care Plan Go Bag
Smart911 – Plan ahead for any emergency. You can sign up specifically for Coronavirus alerts (may not be available in all areas).

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

211 – Provides assistance in finding food, paying house bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services.
Government Loans – Provides information on government loans and how to apply and eligibility requirements.
Grants.gov – Website for federal agencies to post discretionary funding opportunities and for grantees to find and apply to them.
HUD.gov – Provides COVID-19 information and resources.
U.S. Small Business Administration – Provides federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters.
Better Business Bureau – See BBB Tip: How to Support Small Businesses during Coronavirus for COVID-19 and small business information.
RestoreYourEconomy.org – Provides resources and information for stakeholders rebuilding local economies after an economic disruption.

REGIONAL RESOURCES

Cincinnati
Cincinnati Area Resources – Food Distribution, United Way Directory

Cleveland
Cleveland Area Resources – Homeless and Missing Youth Program Community Resources, Job Link Services, #HELPINTHECLE, University Hospitals Resource Guide

Columbus
Columbus Area Resources- IMPACT, Hands On

DISASTER ACRONYMS

Download the 2 page Disaster Acronym Guide (pdf)

This COVID-19 Disability Project is based on previous awards to Dr. Laura M. Stough at Texas A&M University and to Dr. Amy N. Sharp at the University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with other researchers and staff (see https://redd.tamu.edu/project-redd-staff-contact) affiliated with Project REDD (Research and Education on Disability and Disaster). Project REDD is hosted and supported, in part, by the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University. Funding for the development of the REDDy Directory and the ReDiscovery Project was awarded from the following granting agencies:
Administration on Community Living
American Red Cross
Rebuild Texas
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Association of University Centers on Disability