Health
Covid-19 Resources for People with Disabilities
On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization officially called the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. Pandemics occur when a new infectious disease emerges that can spread very rapidly across the world.
Here in the United States, every state now has cases of people with COVID-19. U.S. case counts are updated regularly Monday through Friday. See the current U.S. cases of COVID-19.
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) gives information about how to access the COVID-19 vaccine for people with disabilities. DIAL connects callers to vaccine sites and provides information related to barriers to vaccination by referring callers to local and national disability resources. acl.gov/dial | 888-677-1199 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET | DIAL@usaginganddisability.org
Below are specific resources about COVID-19 for people with disabilities, along with general resources. We will update this list periodically to help keep you better informed.
General Information
COVID-19 Information by and for People with Disabilities English - Spanish
This fact sheet, also provided in Spanish, answers pressing questions and provides useful tips on how people with disabilities can remain safe, healthy, and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Plain Language
The document provides up-to-date information to an extent. However, there is nothing on masks.
Source: Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center - SARTAC
A Sickness is Coming
The document provides up-to-date information to an extent. However, there is nothing on masks.
Source: Tech Owl - Institute on Disability at Temple University
Preparing Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities for Medical Treatment at Hospitals
The COVID-19 Disability Form is reviewed by ER physicians, families of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and adults with IDD. The goal of this form is to help alert ER staff at hospitals around the nation of the communication preferences of patients living with IDD.
Source: Source: Ballan, M. & Perri, C. (2020). COVID-19 Disability Form. Stony Brook, NY.
Safeguard Against Disability Discrimination During COVID-19
This fact sheet is based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. This document is aimed at medical and health care professionals and focuses on including individuals with disabilities in the COVID-19 response to ensure equitable care.
Source: The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
COVID-19 Video Series presented in American Sign Language
Source: Centers for Disease Control
A clearly written Coronavirus Fact Sheet (Available in multiple languages)
This fact sheet, provided in 33 languages, provides a clear and concise guide to individuals who wish to play a role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Following each step can go a long way in protecting your loved ones and those living in your community.
Source: Hesperian Health Guides
Videos and Social Stories
Coronavirus Social Narrative
This resource, created by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF is an informative guide that helps with learning about the coronavirus, and how you can stay healthy and prevent the spread.
Source: CARD-USF, FCIC, University of South Florida
I’m Going to Get My COVID-19 Vaccine: A Social Experience Story
This resource, created by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF is an informative guide that helps children with ASD to learn and prepare for getting a Covid-19 vaccine.
Source: CARD-USF, Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, University of South Florida
Voy a vacunarme contra COVID-19: Historia Social sobre una experiencia
Este recurso, creado por el Centro de Autismo y Discapacidades Relacionadas (CARD) de la USF, es una guía informativa que ayuda a los niños con TEA a aprender y prepararse para recibir una vacuna contra el Covid-19.
Fuente: CARD-USF, Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, University of South Florida
Let's Talk About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Whiteboard Social Narrative Video
In this short YouTube video, you can learn how the virus is transmitted and what its symptoms are. Learn how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and where to go for more information on the virus.
Source: University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University CARD
Parents, Caregivers, Direct Support Professionals, and Health Care Professionals
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource (Available in multiple languages)
This resource provides parents with the opportunity to teach their children positive COVID-19 preventive measures. Parents can address their children’s fears and give them a chance to help them reduce their anxiety and gain a sense of some control over their risk of contracting COVID-19.
Source: National Association of School Psychologists (multiple languages)
Emergencies and National Disasters: Helping Children and Families (Available in multiple languages)
Provided by the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI), the following are a variety of COVID-19 resources that help families in supporting young children with addressing the numerous challenges that have emerged due to the pandemic.
Source: National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations
The Role of the DSP and the Coronavirus Webinar
Many might consider this webinar, (uploaded to YouTube on March 10, 2020) to be outdated. An extensive amount of data and statistics regarding the virus has been made public since then.
Source: National Association of Direct Support Professionals
How to Prepare for COVID-19 & Special Needs
Several resources aimed specifically for healthcare professionals, hospitals, and service providers.
Source: American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry
5 Things to Know About Coronavirus and People with Disabilities
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has everyone spooked, and hopefully, taking steps to control the outbreak and prepare to get through whatever may come of it. But one group faces additional risks and consequences, as well as anxieties: people with disabilities and or chronic illnesses. Click the title to read the five points to keep in mind about how the coronavirus outbreak affects disabled people.
Source: Forbes
Q&A Employment, ADA, and COVID-19
What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19
This webpage provides answers to frequent scenarios employers encounter while bringing employees back to the workplace. This publication is a valuable resource for employers to review in making COVID-19 related employment decisions.
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Financial Information and Resources
Resources and assistance to navigate financially through the COVID-19 crisis
The pandemic threatened the financial health of individuals and communities around the country. The Financial Resilience Center at the National Disability Institute has compiled data and solutions that will help you navigate around the lingering financial challenges that many continue to face on a frequent basis.
Source: The Financial Resilience Center – National Disability Institute
Research on Impact of COVID-19 in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
State of the Science on COVID-19 and People with IDD – Research Brief
This brief is aimed at providing an overview of what the research reveals about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), COVID-19, and vaccination.
Source: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Florida and National Health Guidance
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
COVID 19 Information
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus. Accessing the various links for information is excellent way to go about protecting yourself and others from infection.
Florida Department of Health (Available in multiple languages)
- COVID Dashboard: This dashboard provides critical information on COVID-19 cases, vaccine information, vaccine eligibility and locator, testing sites. The goal of this dashboard is to present key metrics from various agencies to provide useful data for fact-based decision-making pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic within the state of Florida.
- COVID Toolkit: This toolkit includes a variety of resources and materials that are aimed at helping governments, corporations, health care professionals, public health organizations and other groups with community outreach about COVID-19 prevention and protection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Available in multiple languages)
Since launching an agency-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC has focused on helping frontline healthcare workers, communities, and the public namely people with disabilities protect themselves and save lives.
Administration on Community Living
What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know?
The Administration on Community Living serves as a trusted voice by sharing and addressing a multitude of concerns for individuals living in vulnerable and medically underserved communities.
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