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
OPWDD Guidance on Management of Co-Circulation of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides annual guidance on the prevention and management of influenza to assist facilities operated and/or certified by OPWDD. These guidelines are based on information made available by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are accurate as of the date written.
Free Wi-Fi or Special Accommodations for NYC Residents
The New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities has compiled a list of providers offering free wi-fi or special accomodations for 60 days.
This resource is for New York City residents.
Autism Society COVID-19 Social Stories
The Autism Society of America has created COVID-19 social stories in collaboration with self-advocates and leading autism experts. On their website, you can download social stories on the following topics:
- How to Wear a Mask
- Social Distancing
- Keeping Friends Safe
- Getting Tested for COVID-19
- Going Back to Work
- Hospital Rights
- State Advocacy Toolkit
- Back to School, and
- Questions to Ask Educators
Greet Someone Without Touching Jack Hartmann Social Distancing Song
In this Youtube video, Jack Hartmann shows helpful ways to greet someone from 6 feet. Follow along with the fun ways to greet someone while social distancing.
The Axis Project
The Axis Project is a multidisciplinary center committed to providing high quality services for those with physical disabilities. This unique center empowers people with physical disabilities to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle. The center is completely wheelchair accessible and includes all accessible equipment. The Axis Project offers programs, activities, and classes specifically designed for people with physical disabilities throughout New York City. Some of these include spin class, social groups, boxing, and therapeutic yoga.
COVID Alert NY App for Mobile Contact Tracing
COVID Alert NY is a voluntary, anonymous, exposure-notification smartphone app. You will get an alert if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Knowing about a potential exposure allows you to self-quarantine immediately, get tested and reduce the potential exposure risk to your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others.
Asistencia Con Seguro Medico
El Centro de Desarrollo de la Mujer Dominicana (DWDC, por sus siglas en inglés) ofrece navegadors certificados por el estado de Nueva York que brindan a las familias asistencia y servicios de inscripción para Medicaid, Child Health Plus y planes de salud calificados. Para reducir la pérdida de cobertura, también respaldan y completan las renovaciones de seguros. Asisten en planes para individuos, familias y pequeñas empresas con necesidades especiales, como VIH/SIDA, atención afirmativa de género y estatus migratorio mixto.
The Dominican Women's Development Center Let's Get Covered New York City
The Dominican Women's Development Center offers New York State of Health certified Navigators who provide families with assistance and enrollment services for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Qualified Health Plans. To reduce lapse in coverage, they also support and complete insurance renewals. Thier Navigators assist in plans for individuals, families, and small businesses with special needs, such as HIV/AIDS, gender affirmative care, and mixed immigration status. They can also assist in completing and submitting SNAP applications.
Autism Parenting Magazine - COVID-19 and Autism Resources
Autism Parenting Magazine has created an archive of articles and resources for families of children with autism during COVID-19. Parents can find social stories, visual supports, coping strategies, tips of managing heightened anxiety, educational advice, and much more.
Get Food NYC - COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution
During the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis, New York City is taking steps to make sure every New Yorker has access to the food they need. This site offers various resources to access food for New Yorkers in need, including:
NYS DOH HCBS Versus State Plan Services Delivered During School/Day Time Guidance
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has issued guidelines on providing Home and Communty Based Services (HCBS) during school hours. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) cannot be provided in K-12 educational settings including home school/virtual settings.
Revised OPWDD COVID-19 Interim Guidance Regarding Care Planning and Related Activities
On September 18, 2020, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) released a revision to the previous COVID-19 interim guidance regarding care planning and related activities. This guidance outlines the compliance requirements that are temporarily modified by Appendix K and the Executive Order, retroactive to March 7, 2020.
OPWDD COVID-19 Interim Guidance Regarding Intermediate Care Facility Day Services
On September 18, 2020, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities released COVID-19 Interim Guidance Regarding Intermediate Care Facility Day Services. This document provides temporary billing guidance for the delivery of ICF Day Services that are associated with Day Habilitation and/or site-based Prevocational Services. These changes will allow providers to continue to meet the needs of the ICF residents they support to the greatest extent possible and will remain in place for the duration of the state of emergency or until revoked by OPWDD.
OPWDD COVID-19 Interim Guidance Regarding Non-Emergency Site Visits of Certified Facilities
On September 15, 2020, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) issues COVID-19 Interim Guidance Regarding Non-Emergency Site Visits of Certified Facilities. As the State begins to resume many normal business operations, OPWDD recognizes the need for OPWDD employees and employees of outside vendors and agencies to access certified facilities to perform maintenance and repair work, conduct routine surveys, and other non-emergent inspections.
OPWDD Memorandum Re: Due Process and Inappropriate Discharge from Residential Services
On September 9, 2020, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) issues a Memorandum Re: Due Process and Inappropriate Discharge from Residential Services. People receiving services certified or operated by OPWDD, including people residing in certified residential facilities, must be afforded the due process required by OPWDD regulations at 14 NYCRR 633.12: Objection to Services Process, as well as OPWDD’s Community Placement Procedures.