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
Westchester School District Childcare Services
Westchester school districts are providing childcare services for children ages 5 to 12 for healthcare workers and first responders (police, fire, EMS, corrections officers and all public health workers) with no other childcare options. The service is available to all County residents, and those healthcare workers and first responders who live outside of Westchester County but work in the County. This service is provided regardless if your child attends a private school or a public school.
Child Care Resources of Rockland (CCCR)
Parents who are essential workers can contact Child Care Resources of Rockland (CCRR) at 845.425.0009 Ext. 0 or via email at info [at] rocklandchildcare.org to learn about child care options.
This information is for Rockland county residents.
Yonkers YMCA Emergency Child Care Program
The Yonkers YMCA Emergency Child Care program is being offered to those who serve as first responders and medical professionals and those essential employees under New York law who continue to work. Child care is available Monday through Friday, from 8am-6pm, for children ages, 5-12.
This resource is for New York State residents.
New Jersey Childcare Database
The NJ Department of Human Services has created the New Jersey Childcare Database to assist parents who are essential workers in finding childcare. Information on how much the care will cost for families as well as guidance for approved emergency childcare providers can also be accessed via this website.
This resource is for New Jersey residents and organizations
Help Now NYC
Help Now NYC has a list of resources available for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. In addition, there is guidance on how New Yorkers can help those affected by COVID-19 through volunteering and donation opportunities.
This information is for NYC residents.
Operation 5 Borough Food Drive
FreshDirect is partnering with local organizations and businesses to give away 10,000 boxes of groceries each week across the five boroughs through the citywide initiative "Operation 5-Borough Food Drive".
This information is for NYC residents.
NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline
The NYS COVID-19 emotional support helpline provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Helpline is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. If you're not feeling ok, call 1.844.863.9314
This information is for NYS residents
Let's Talk About The Coronavirus Social Narrative Video
This video teaching story created by UM-NSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities explains COVID-19 and how people can protect themselves.
Coping with Routine Disruptions
School and program closures are now widespread as part of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While these are critical steps to protect the health of Americans, the disruption in routine for children with autism or special needs can be incredibly hard, and cause increases in anxiety and challenging behaviors.
Working from home: Developing a new routine
Autism Speaks created this resource to provide guidance to people on the autism spectrum on how to adjust to working from home. It includes information on time management, organizing your workspace, communicating with co-workers, creating a routine, and personal wellness.
Promoting Financial Health and Resiliency for People with Disabilities and Their Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development (CDICD), managed by National Disability Institute (NDI), has developed five strategies and resources to assist people with disabilities in taking steps to maintain financial health.
COVID-19 Resources for the Deaf Community
A crowd sourced resource guide for the deaf community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CoronaMetro - Metrocards for Essential Staff
CoronaMetro is a website that helps people donate their unused Metrocards to essential workers who are taking NYC public transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential workers can fill out the online survey to connect with someone who wants to donate their Metrocard to help cover the cost of commuting.
This resource is for New York City residents
How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus - Video and Article
Many parents are wondering how to explain COVID-19 in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Jamie Howard, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at the Child Mind Institute created a short video on how to talk to children about coronavirus / COVID-19.
Supporting Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Coping with Grief and Loss through Death or Divorce
This article by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism focuses on how children and adults on the autism specitrum may experience loss due to death or divorce and how to provide support through the grieving process. It covers common responses to grief, factors that may effect the grieving process, support strategies, and offers helpful resources. It also includes links to social stories and visual aids to explain death, divorce and grieving to people with autism.