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
CDC Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in homes and residential communities. It contains information on:
- Symptoms & testing
- How to prevent getting sick
- Coping and mental health resources
- What to do if you are sick
- Child care programs
- Testing
- How to talk to children about Coronavirus
- Educational resources and updates
- Information for service providers and essential workers,
- And much more...
Clinical Care During Social Distancing
The health care system is adapting to social distancing. Many health services- including behavioral health – are moving to telemedicine for everything but emergency or crisis situations. This Autism Speaks article provides tips on how to handle clinical care during social distancing and school/program closures.
How to Talk to Your Child with Autism About Tragedy
Autism Speaks has written an article on how to talk to children with autism about tragedy, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The article lists tips on how to help a child on the autism spectrum understand a frightening and violent tragedy in the news.
Plain Language Information on COVID-19 - in 11 languages
This 8-page booklet from SARTAC (Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center) is about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is written in plain language. It was created by and for people with developmental disabilities to help explain COVID-19. The booklet is available in English, Spanish, Bengali, French, Creole, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Información en lenguaje sencillo sobre COVID-19 - Versión en español
Este folleto de 8 páginas está en español. Se trata del Coronavirus y está escrito en lenguaje sencillo.
State of California Shelter-in-Place Order
The California Department of Public Health website includes FAQs regarding shelter-in-place orders, resources for businesses, information on childcare and schools, health care, and outdoor recreation.
This information is for residents of California.
Social Distancing (English)
This social story helps explain social distancing to people with an intellectual or developmental disability. It defines social distancing and includes helpful illustrations.
Invisible Hands - Delivery
Invisible Hands delivery is a volunteer-run, safe, free grocery/food delivery service for the most at-risk community members facing COVID-19. Currently only offered in some parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, but they hope to expand to other parts of the country.
Distanciamiento Social (Español)
Definición del distanciamiento social y lo que significa, para personas con I/DD. Incluye ilustrationes.
Online Educational Resources
Amazingeducationalresources.com has a searchable database of educational resources for families and professionals. You can search by grade level and by category, including tutoring, STEM, counseling, math, technology, and much more.
California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Web Page
The California Department of Public Health's web page contains information on COVID-19, including:
- Symptoms
- Statistics
- Social distancing
- Testing
- Guidance regarding face coverings
- Inability to work due to COVID-19 diagnosis
- And much more...
This information is for residents of California.
Social Stories on COVID-19
Breezy Special Ed wrote social stories to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pangemic. The social stories cover topics such as what is COVID-19, stopping the spread of germs (e.g. through handwashing), school closures, distance learning, being flexible with school work at home, when loved ones are sick, and when I am sick.
Social Story: COVID-19 and Anxiety
YAI wrote a one-page social story for people with intellectual and developmental disabilties about COVID-19 (coronavirus), how it impacts anxiety, and what we can do about it.