COVID-19 Database for People with I/DD, Caregivers, and Staff
During the COVID-19 emergency we want to help you find resources at this challenging time. YAI staff has gathered some important information and resources for families to access which are shared below. You can type in a search or filter by category or age range. For those looking to see newly added resources, they will show at the top of the list.
For additional information please feel free to call us at 212.273.6182 or email link [at] yai.org
MTA Essential Connector Program- Free Rides for Essential Workers
The MTA is offering the Essential Connector Program for essential workers who are commuting to home or work between 1 and 5 am. Essential workers can book one free trip in a for-hire vehicle per night if:
MTA Service During COVID-19
The MTA has created a webpage that explains their overnight service changes, how riders can plan their trips, Access-A-Ride updates, and information on cleaning and disinfecting protocols. The website also includes information on overnight resources for essential workers.
This resource is for New York City and New York State residents.
FAQs About COVID-19 Stimulus Payments and ABLE Accounts
The federal government approved a special payment to help the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments must be spent or put into an ABLE savings account within 12 months or they will count as an asset and could reduce your benefits. The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) created a fact sheet that provides guidance on the recently issued stimulus payments as it relates to government benefits and the maintainance of an ABLE account for people that have one or wish to open one.
Unemployment, Leave, and Other Benefits for New Jersey Workers During the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency
Navigating through the combined and expanded state and federal benefits, the latter under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, can be confusing and complex, partly because of different eligibility requirements, as well as the rapidly-changing laws, regulations, and guidance. New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Network (DDAN) created An information guide on unemployment, leave, and other benefits for New Jersey workers.
All Digital School - Free Online Special Education Resources
All Digital School is an online educational resources (apps/tools/websites/ebook/videos etc..) for all school levels (k-12) organized by subject, year level, and type. They have linked to free special education resources including sight words and learning games, children's stories in sign language, resources for the visually impaired and much more.
Inclusive Home Workouts
Gympanzees is a UK based organization offering inclusive exercise opportunities to children and young adults with disabilites. To ensure inclusive exercise opportunities remain available during the COVID pandemic, Gympanzee has listed a number of links to at home exercises specifically for children and young adults with disabilities.
Emergency Relief Program for Survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
In partnership with Sanctuary for Families, the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence have launched a new program to provide funding for immediate safety, economic, and housing needs currently worsened by the pandemic.
Resources for Survivors of Domestic or Gender-Based Violence During COVID-19
The NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence has created an online resource directory for survivors of domestic and/or gender-based violence. There are resources for survivors, survivors with children, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, seniors, youths, and domestic violence programs/non-profits. You can find information on personal safety, food and cash assistance, housing and utilities, health and mental health, employment and finances, and legal help.
Virtual Activities for People with Disabilities
The NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities created a guide for people with disabilities on accessible things to do from home. It contains activities such as virtual events, museum tours, workouts, performances, podcasts and more. Some of the events are live on platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet, or through phone conferences. Others are recorded and can be experienced at any time. The majority of programs featured on this list are free while others have fees but use a sliding scale to accommodate attendees of all income levels.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Food Benefits
Every family will receive $420 for each child enrolled in New York City public schools to offset the cost of lunches that students are eating at home that they would have received for free in school. The food benefit, which is part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will be issued in June. If you already have an EBT card, you'll receive the funds automatically in early June.
Daniel's Music Foundation Virtual Community
Daniel's Music Foundation is offering interactive music & movement activities, live events, and virtual private lessons and small group classes for musicians of all abilities, ages 3 to adult. You can watch their pre-recorded videos online and view their calendar of free events.
Interagency Council Guidance on Response to COVID-19
Interagency Council (IAC) has created a list of guidance documents and other information related to COVID-19. Up to date guidance related to program and agency functions, is available for review from the CDC, OPWDD, Governer Cuomo and other New York State agencies.
This resource is for New York State residents.
Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and SSI Beneficiaries with Representative Payees
The Social Security Administration issued an update about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to certain groups of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Beneficiaries who have their regular monthly payments managed for them by another person, called a representative payee, will begin receiving their EIPs from the IRS in late May
Cooling Assistance Benefit
Financial help to cover the cost and installation of an air conditioner or fan. Through HRA, people can apply for cooling assistance. The Cooling Assistance benefit opens May 1, 2020.
Resources for Immigrant Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The City of New York is committed to helping New Yorkers significantly affected by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter what your immigration status is and regardless of your ability to pay, although other eligibility requirements may apply.