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
City FHEPS Rental Assistance Program for Community Tenants
City FHEPS is one of the programs that provides ongoing rental assistance. This is a benefit that is made available to clients who are in shelter or for some individuals facing eviction. More information about City FHEPS eligibility for community tenants can be found here.
This resource is for New York City residents.
City FHEPS Rental Assistance Program for Households in Shelters
City FHEPS is one of the programs that provides ongoing rental assistance to New York City residents. This is a benefit that is made available to clients who are in shelter or for some individuals facing eviction.
This resource is for New York City residents.
Sproutflix Virtual Sprout Film Festival
Sproutflix hosts the largest and most diverse assortment of films featuring people with I/DD on the marketplace. As a small gesture to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), agency staff, students, parents and friends get through this challenging time, please enjoy this free full-screen playlist of 3 short films, featuring people with I/DD.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.