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
Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)
As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, many Americans may find it harder to afford their medicines. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) member companies are dedicated to helping patients access resources when they need them most. PhRMA created the Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT). MAT is a free and confidential search engine that focuses its searches on helping people who visit the site be more aware of the various programs that make prescriptions more affordable for those in need.
Helping Your Young Child Adapt to Change During COVID-19
Many children, including young ones with disabilities, are having a tough time adjusting to changes during COVID-19. IncludeNYC created this helpful tip sheet on the dos and don'ts of helping children adapt to change during COVID-19.
Creating and Applying Schedules to Your Child's Daily Life
IncludeNYC created a helpful tip sheet on creating and applying schedules for children with disabilities. Schedules are important when creating consistency and structure for your child, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Creating a daily plan with clear timeframes can help increase a child’s independence and help them plan and prepare for transitions throughout the day. Schedules can also benefit caregivers, by helping them plan their own day and accomplish the items on their to-do list.
New Jersey Department of Education Legal Rights During COVID-19 Guidance
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has become aware of instances in which school districts are requiring parents or guardians to waive certain legal rights or give written consent for services as a condition for receipt of special education or related services. The purpose of this guidance is to clarify the legal rights of students and parents during COVID-19. It explains how the practice of requiring parents or guardians to waive certain legal rights violates the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and NJDOE regulations.
Indoor Fun: Activities for Students K-12
IncludeNYC compiled a list of free activities for students, including related to:
- Animals
- Technology
- Arts & Culture
- Fitness & Wellbeing
- Educational
- Science
COVID-19 Digital Mental Health Resources
NYC Well created a list of free, digital mental health resources that people can access during COVID-19. There are resources for anxiety, depression, mindfulness & meditation, difficulty sleeping, peer support, self-care, and recovery.
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
YAI has compiled a list of mental health resources and apps that can be used by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), parents/caregivers, family members, and service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resource list contains information on suicide prevention, coping strategies, helplines, meditation, and mindfulness.
United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Homework Help Line
The United Federation of Teachers' Dial-a-Teacher program is a homework help line for elementary and middle school students attending New York City public schools. Students or their parents are invited to call the hotline, which is staffed by classroom teachers who are experienced in all subject areas. Homework assistance is available Monday-Thursdays, 4-7pm, when school is in session. They have teachers who speak Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog.
How Kids Can Fight COVID-19 Storybook
“My Hero is You” is a book written by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG) for children around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “My Hero is You” should be read by a parent, caregiver or teacher alongside a child or a small group of children. It is not encouraged for children to read this book independently without the support of a parent, caregiver or teacher.
World Health Organization (WHO) Parenting tips in the time of COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) has created tip sheets on parenting in the time of Coronavirus / COVID-19. These one-page tip sheets for parents cover planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behavior, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19.
Tips for Speech Therapy at Home for Children with Autism
The website Speech Pathology Master's Programs has published an article with tips on how to conduct speech therapy at home for children with autism (ASD). The article provides parents with information on how to do speech therapy with their children and activities they can use. There is information on providing speech therapy for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents and young adults.
Accessible Virtual Meetings Guide
The NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) created an Accessible Virtual Meetings Guide. This guide is meant to provide information on how you can make your virtual meetings accessible to people with disabilities. It includes information on what you should do before the meeting, using an accessible virtual conferencing platform, providing accommodations as well as online disability etiquette.
NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline
The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare have launched the NYC COVID-19 Pet Hotline. The Pet Hotline will serve as an information, planning, referral and service coordination hub for NYC residents who need support for their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pet Hotline operators can be reached directly at 877.204.8821, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
This information is for NYC residents.
NJ Hospital Visitation Policy for People with Disabilities
The NJ Department of Heath (DOH) issued the NJ Hospital Visitation Policy for People with Disabilities effective April 25, 2020. The DOH considers a designated support person essential to patient care for patients with disabilities where the disability may be due to altered mental status, intellectual or cognitive disability, communication barriers or behavioral concerns. Therefore, hospitals in New Jersey are required to allow a designated support person to be with the disabled patient during hospitalization.
HRA Burial Assistance
HRA Burial Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals in need of aid to meet qualifying funeral expenses. The Application for Burial Allowance includes information on what expenses HRA will cover. You can access the application and learn more about the application process on the website.
This information is for NYC residents.