People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can serve their communities in many ways. Learn more about Inclusive volunteering!
Source: The Arc
The Arc is greatly concerned about the threat of COVID-19 to people with disabilities, their families, and the workforce that supports them. We are compiling resources to help people with intellectual and /or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and service providers to understand this global pandemic.
Latest National Guidance
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America — 15 Days to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is updating its website regularly as recommendations and guidelines are issued.
The Administration for Community Living – What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know?
Materials in languages other than English
Resource on Accessibility and Distance Learning Options from U.S. Department of Education
Social Security Administration Coronavirus Related Policy Changes
Plain Language Materials
Plain Language Booklet on Coronavirus – created by the Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center
Información de COVID-19 Por y Para Personas con Discapacidades
Important Things to Know About COVID-19 – created by the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy
Coronavirus: What Is It and What Can I Do? – created by The Arc Maryland
Coronavirus Prevention Flyer – created by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project
Advocate In Congress
Congress has passed a third relief bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read our statement on the most recent legislation.
Update for Chapters on COVID-19 Package 3
Recovery Rebates Fact Sheet_3-30-20
Education Provisions in COVID legisation – March 30 2020
03.27.20 CCD Housing TF 1-pager
While the relief packages so far will help in some ways, there is more advocacy work to do – many critical issues were not addressed. Tell Congress the next bill MUST addresses the specific and critical needs of people with disabilities.
For Chapters of The Arc
Many chapters of The Arc provide services to people with I/DD, in their own home, in group homes, in chapter facilities, and in the community.
State and local level officials are making many decisions that will impact your operations. Follow your local and state guidance as it evolves over the course of this pandemic, as well as the CDC and federal direction.
Ultimately, each chapter is its own separate organization and therefore make its own decisions. The power of the federation of chapters is the ability to support each other through challenges like today’s pandemic. We encourage you to lean on other chapters of The Arc for input on how to move forward, and contact The Arc’s national office for support.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services toolkit
CDC: Long-Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coronavirus information
CDC and NASDP: the Role of the DSP and Coronavirus
If you are a staff member of The Arc, sign up for our chapters only e-newsletter by contacting Solomon Lissanu, Lissanu@TheArc.org.
To stay up to date with Congressional action in response to COVID-19:
Sign up for The Arc’s Disability Advocacy Network
Follow our blog for the latest statements on what passes in Congress and what it means for people with I/DD, their families, and service providers
If you have additional resources The Arc should consider sharing, please contact Kristen McKiernan, mckiernan@thearc.org.