June 7, 2020
COVID-19 Resources for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Below are resources, both regional and national, that could be beneficial for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
For more resources, visit our Community Resources & Information page.
Regional Resources
Center for Self-Advocacy (CSA) – CSA is beginning a new program, called “Listen to Me.” If you are a person with a developmental disability, “Listen to Me” will listen to you and give you a safe space to talk about what is bothering you. “Listen to Me” will have a trained peer mentor on staff for you to call with any questions or concerns. No question is too small. Whether you need to find a resource, need help with something right away, or just want to talk, “Listen to Me” will be there for you. The peer mentor staff will be available to talk with you on Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons. If you want to talk and staff isn’t available, please leave a message. Call at (716) 220-8122, extension 126.
COVID-19 Disability Form – Fillable PDF to help those visiting medical offices.
CDO Workplace – Jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
David’s Refuge – Weekend respite care in Monroe, Ontario, and Seneca counties.
New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities – Important updates for individuals, families, and caregivers.
– Developmental Disabilities Council Resources
Online Zumba Classes for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities – Chair Zumba classes appropriate for all levels. Each class is free. Classes are available Mondays and Wednesdays between 10am – 3pm. Participants can choose when to log in and pay during that 5 hour window and start the class when they are ready. Classes are about 35 minutes. Because repetition is how everyone learns regardless of ability, most of the songs remain the same. The instructor may change the order of songs or add just one new dance at a time. Learn more.
Parent to Parent of NYS – Includes Text4Caregivers, a free to end-user text messaging program which provides stress management and well-being prompts for caregivers.
Parent Network of Western New York – Links to COVID-19 resources for families, including families of children with developmental disabilities.
Regional Center for Independent Living – Special link to resources for Allegany, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Yates, Wayne, and Wyoming counties: https://personcenteredservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Community-Resources-2.pdf
Self-Advocate Care Planning Made Easy – Plain language document from SANYS.
Self-Directed Services – Upcoming info sessions. Includes WebEx Meeting options.
Unstuck and on the Target – Online program to improve the cognitive flexibility, planning, and organizing of children with autism spectrum disorders.
Virtual Dance Party with DJ Jammin Joe– From the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS, Inc. (SANYS).
Zoom Opportunities For Self-Advocates with I/DD to Stay Connected
National Resources
The ABCs of Autism – COVID-19 Social Story.
Autism Resources – Social stories related to COVID-19.
Autism Self-Advocacy Network – “What You Need to Know About COVID-19” Video
Autism Speaks COVID-19 Information & Resources
Building Resilience in the Era of COVID-19 – For families with children.
CDC American Sign Language – COVID-19 Informational Videos featuring a certified interpreter.
CDC – COVID-19 Resources for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Coronavirus Social Story; Expectations at Home
COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities
Digital Resources for Students with Autism
Face Coverings and Businesses: Balancing the ADA with Public Health During COVID-19
Let’s Talk About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video – A social narrative developed by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD).
Little Puddins: The Autism Educator – Coronavirus Social Story.
Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatments (MOLST) – COVID-19 Guidance.
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals – COVID-19 tools.
National Down Syndrome Society – Fact sheet.
National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices – COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Q&A.
Safety Planning with Survivors During COVID-19
Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center
Self-Advocacy Plain Language Info:
– Coronavirus – Plain Language Glossary
– Help with Hospitalization – Easy Read
– Self-Advocate Care Planning Made Easy
– COVID-19 Information in 11 Languages
– Supporting Individuals with Autism Through Uncertain Times
The Arc – COVID-19 Resource Page.
TIES Center – Technical assistance for inclusive policies and practices.
UNC Online Toolkit For Supporting Individuals with Autism
We Need to Stay Healthy – COVID-19 Social Story by by Benjamin Donson MSED BCBA.