COVID-19: Information & Support



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We are updating this list of resources daily, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.

 

Current News and Updates

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Department of Health (DOH)

Office of the Governor

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Washington State Coronovirus Response

Vaccine Information

Washington State Vaccine Resources

For Families and Care Providers of Youth and Children

For individuals with IDD:

News & Information for People with IDD, Caregivers and Providers

Center for Dignity in Health Care for People with Disabilities

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Green Mountain Self Advocates

Informing Families

Special Olympics International

Videos by California Self-Advocates


For Specific Populations:

Autism Focused Intervention, Resources & Modules

Deaf-Blind Community

Dementia Action Collaborative

Down Syndrome Resources

Wheelchair Users

Communication and Technology

Internet and Phone Service Resources

  • Lifeline Phone and Internet Assistance
    Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service. The Lifeline program also provides support to lower the service costs for qualified households.
  • Lifeline Support
    A Federal Communication Commission (FCC) program designed to provide individuals with low-income access to free cell phones and inexpensive cell phone plans. The program provides those eligible to wireless or internet service for up to $9.25/month. To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelinesor participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Medicaid. Individuals with coverage by an MCO for Medicaid can contact their MCO directly about Lifeline. Click here for more information.
  • Everyone On
    Visit EveryoneOn to search low-cost internet service offers from providers responding to the COVID-19 crisis. EveryoneOn is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers, and providing digital skills training.
  • Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED)
    TED helps people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech impairment, to get the assistance they need to communicate. Visit the TED website to learn more and download an application.

 

Education

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

PAVE

Informing Families

(Out of State Resources)

California State Council on Developmental Disabilities

[Note: Scroll below to INFORMAL RESOURCES to find a listing of Activities for School Age Children.]

 

Employment

Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE)

 

Finances

Employment Security Department (ESD)

Internal Revenue Service Newsroom

  • Economic Impact Payments
    New: People on SSI do not need to do anything to receive payments; however, those who have qualifying dependents (under age 17) will need to complete a Non-Filers form via an IRS portal created for this purpose.

Social Security

Washington State Department of Commerce

  • Rent & Energy Assistance
    Washington state residents currently participating in the federal Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may apply for special crisis benefits

Washington State Department of Financial Institutions

 

Food

Economic Services Administration

Did you know? Amazon is accepting EBT cards in select states, including Washington.

 

 

Health Care

Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Washington State Healthcare Authority

Washington Health Benefit Exchange

  • Extended Enrollment
    In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) today announced a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This special enrollment period (SEP), that runs through April 8, 2020, will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Resources for Individuals Who Test Positive for COVID-19:

  • COVID-19 Disability Form(to be completed by or for an individual with intellectual disabilities or communication difficulties)

Immigrant Assistance

Covid-19 Help for Washington

 

Personal Care Resources for Individuals (and Providers Looking for Work)

Carina Care Provider Registry

  • Carina Care
    Free, online service connecting Home Care Consumers and Providers.

Informing Families

 

Informal Resources

Activities for School Age Children

[Note: This is a sample list and does not constitute endorsement of businesses offering free resources. There are many more activities and resources available online. Explore on your own and connect with parent and educator groups online for recommendations.]

Daily Schedule and Activity Ideas
Many families are just starting to find out that their children will be out of school for the next 4-6 weeks, and are coming to the realization that in order to maintain continuity they will need to implement a structured schedule. This sample schedule has been made free for download to help you create a schedule and activities tailored to your child’s interests and needs.

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
You might be isolated, but you’re not alone. You are an art maker. Let’s make some together. I’ll see you at 1pm ET weekdays for LUNCH DOODLES and I hope you’ll keep making art even after my visit!

PBS Kids
Get daily activities and tips to help kids play and learn at home.

Scholastic Learn at Home: Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing
Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!

School Closure Toolkit
This toolkit includes visual supports for children with autism to use during the COVID-19 school closures. Created by Easterseals Illinois Autism Partnership.

The Sped Guru: Special Education Websites for Students and Parents
Top websites for children with learning disabilities that can be utilized at home and school.

 

Resources and Support for Individuals with IDD and Families

Find support, connection and resources in your community as parent and self-advocacy organizations make the move to create more online support opportunities during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For Adults with IDD

  • Best Buddies Washington Virtual “Hang In”
    Connect with the Best Buddies community in Washington through stories, conversations, videos, art, trivia, games, and more!
  • People First of Washington 
    Connect with peers on Facebook and Zoom with daily online video chats.
  • Link20 Zoom-Fest 2020
    Over the next weeks we are going to be holding webinars and digital gatherings twice a week! Stay glued to your email on Fridays to learn more! Email jenny@rudermanfoundation.org if you are interested in joining! Link20 is a global social movement led by a network of young activists, with and without disabilities. Our goal is to raise awareness on the right of people with disabilities to be fully included in our society and strengthen young activist’s leadership skills and influence in promoting inclusion and social justice.

For Families

 

Social/Emotional Support and Connection

Stuck at home? Don’t isolate. Keep that date! Connect virtually with friends and family without the travel or traffic. [Note: This is a sample list and does not constitute endorsement of businesses offering free resources.]

Facebook
Many disability organizations have formed private and public groups where you chat and connect with others who share similar interests and needs. Some, like People First of Washington, hold watch parties for shared online social time.

FaceTime
This is a great way to visit family members who live in facilities and settings with visitor restrictions. If your family member does not have a cell phone to receive calls, ask their care provider if they can provide a (wiped down/clean) phone for your family member to use.

Google Hangouts
Make voice calls, send text messages, and even have group video chats from your mobile device or computer without paying a dime.

Zoom
This video conferencing platform has lifted its paid subscription during the COVID-19 outbreak. Have virtual coffee or lunch with a friend, or a get together with several. It’s easy to set up for anyone with a device that has a camera and internet connection.



2024


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