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Best Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Guide for People with Disabilities, their Parents, Families and Caregivers: How to Prepare, Prevent Getting Ill and Find Resources for Financial Needs, Education, Employment, Social and Emotional Needs, Mental Health Needs, Vaccination and other Assistance

April 7, 2020 [Updated January 20, 2022]

Consider the options provided in this guide and check back with us. As we learn more about organizations and resources that are assisting in health, financial and relief efforts, we will list the information here on this guide.

Bookmark our guide and remember to refresh the page in your browser each time you visit to view the most current version of this guide.

Are you prepared for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic?

Do you know what to include in an individual or family emergency survival kit?

Have you read the guidance for preventing the virus, protecting yourself and others and what to do if you get ill?

Do you know how to contact those who may assist you or get supplies during the pandemic?

Do you know how to obtain your vaccination against COVID-19?

Do you need assistance with financial resiliency during this pandemic?

Do you have the resources to stay connected with family and friends?

Select the topic of your choice from the links below:

Let Us Know How YOU are Doing!

To all personal care attendants, health professionals, grocery store workers, distributors, truck drivers and everyone keeping essential services going, THANK YOU.

To do our small part to contain the virus and protect those most vulnerable, we are taking CDC recommendations very seriously while we continue to advocate for the rights of citizens with disabilities, we also see how we can continue to promote safer, smarter, HEALTHIER, policies for people with disabilities.

As State, Counties, Cities and Towns remove safer at home policies and restrictions on businesses and assembling, people with disabilities with higher risk to the virus or deadly risk to the virus depend on masks to live. We must remind everyone that some peoples' lives depend on you following the rules, wearing a mask, and social distancing. Do not discriminate against those who are wearing a mask as their lives may depend on it. Just as you should not abuse people who are using a handicap sign for parking, you may not see a prosthetic under their clothing. In addition, do not forget people in your lives that need the online connection and be willing to include them in your lives now and after the pandemic. When a vaccine is released, take it to do the right thing for those that are most at risk.

Let Us Know How YOU are Doing!

We are updating and adding resources for aid and relief of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) for people with disabilities. There are many who are in dire situations and people who are extremely isolated, as well as caregivers who are extraordinarily stressed.

But we are in this together. New Horizons Un-Limited is advocating for the resources you need.

Please send New Horizons Un-Limited your suggestions and ideas.

  • What do you need or what is most challenging for you now?
  • What is working well for you and how are you feeling about the future?
  • Do you have an inspiring story to share?
  • What are your thoughts on ways people can stay active, stay healthy or deal with isolation?
Send them to horizons@new-horizons.org

Information About the COVID-19 or Coronavirus Pandemic including Frequently Asked Questions and Vaccination Information

Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.
Here’s what you need to know about your order:
  • Limit of one order per residential address
  • One order includes #4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
  • Orders will ship free starting in late January
  • Fill in the form with your contact and shipping information to order your tests.

    Vaccination Information for People with Disabilities

    • There is no charge for the vaccine, but you may have to pay an administration fee.
    • COVID-19 vaccines are only given at authorized sites such as hospitals, pharmacies or mass hubs.
    • You cannot pay to put your name on a vaccine waiting list - these do not exist or to receive the vaccine ahead of schedule. Soon all adults over 16 will be eligible.
    • If in doubt contact the CDC or your healthcare provider directly.
    • Avoid U.S. COVID vaccination scams on-line.
    • If you need help getting a vaccine, be sure to ask your family or friend.
    • If you need transportation to a vaccine provider, check with your state if you can schedule non-emergency medical disability transportation the day of your vaccination.

    • COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Plain Language This 4-page booklet by selfadvocacyinfo.org was created by and for people with intellectual disabilities. It is written in plain language. It includes basic information people need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine.

    When are YOU eligible? Where can YOU make an Appointment for the vaccine in your state?

    COVID-19 Information for People with Disabilities

    • After you are vaccinated, continue to follow the guidelines for preventing getting the virus. Wear your mask, safely distance, wash your hands, if you feel ill, or are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, get tested.

    • 5 Things To Know About Coronavirus And People With Disabilities this article by Andrew Pulrang in Forbes magazine discusses how the coronavirus affects people with disabilities and the additional risks and consequences. People with disabilities often have underlying health conditions so more at risk, harder for people to protect themselves, threatens their independence, potential of shining a big light on long-time disability issues such as workplace accommodations and community supports, and allow people to be concerned, are we aware of concerns and working on issues in the community.

    • June 15 - The Washington Post reported "Patients with underlying conditions were 12 times as likely to die of covid-19 as otherwise healthy people, CDC finds "People with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes were hospitalized six times as often as otherwise healthy individuals infected with the novel coronavirus..."the CDC said the most common underlying conditions reported in people with covid-19 were heart disease (32 percent), diabetes (30 percent) and chronic lung disease (18 percent). Other preexisting conditions included liver disease, kidney disease, neurodevelopmental or intellectual disability, and immunocompromised conditions."

    • June 9, 2020 -COVID-19 Infections And Deaths Are Higher Among Those With Intellectual Disabilities This report from NPR states COVID-19 case-fatality rates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are higher than the states’ overall rates. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more at risk because they live in group settings with staff coming in and out, and higher fatality rates because they have more underlying health conditions. There are consequences of society underpaying group home staff and to paying less attention to people who live in other care home settings such as group homes.

    • Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes Symptoms and Testing, Prevent Getting Sick, Daily Life and Coping, If You are Sick, People Who Need Extra Precautions, Frequently Asked Questions, Cases and Latest Updates (updated Daily after 4pm.) and Guidance Documents (see below).

    • Guidance Documents from the CDC. What the CDC has published for Health Care Professionals, First Responders, Public Health Professionals, Communities, Travel and home personal protective equipment, infection prevention, cleaning, disinfecting, and more.

    • Centers for Disease Control - Frequently Asked Questions

    • Coronavirus Tips: Frequently Asked Questions and Advice from the New York Times

    • Corona Virus Daily A daily news podcast about the coronavirus pandemic, covering all dimensions of the story from science to economics and politics as well as society and culture. Hosted by Kelly McEvers from Embedded. Approximately 10 minutes in length, publishing weekday afternoons, includes stories and interviews from NPR's Science, International, National, Business and Washington reporting teams, as well as station reporters, and the crews at Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

    • The Risks, Know Them, Avoid Them This article discusses risk of infection in different situations, with clear illustration, which helps determine which activities to undertake and which to avoid.

    • Profile of a killer: the complex biology powering the coronavirus pandemic This article summarizes current understanding about how COVID-19 works on a molecular level, which informs broader views about what the next months may look like.

    • COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities by selfadvocacyinfo.org and the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council. This publication is supported in part by a cooperative agreement from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    • The U.S.Department of Labor (DOL) warns that Scammers can use your information to commit identity theft or file fraudulent claims. Be alert for scams related to COVID-19.
      • - Think twice before trusting unsolicited calls, social media or door-to-door visits from strangers
      • - Don't share personal info (SSN or birthdate) with strangers
      • Report fraud involving unemployment insurance or other U.S. Department of Labor activities at 1-800-347-3756 or DOL hotline.

    • Coroavirus (COVID-19) How to Prepare, Protect and What to do if you are sick from The White House, CDC and FEMA.

    • Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19 Learn what the government is doing in response to the pandemic in regard to health and safety, transportation, taxes, education, scams and fraud, benefits and grants, housing, Federal Building Status Updates and National Parks, voting and elections, business and much more.

    How to Prepare for a Pandemic for People with Disabilities, their Families and Caregivers

    During an emergency, disaster or pandemic you may have to try to survive with a limited amount of resources.

    • Food, health supplies, and clothing may be in short supply during a pandemic.
    • Although outages may not occur because of a pandemic, electricity, gas, and garbage pickup may be affected by your utilities ability to keep personnel available in emergencies or your ability to pay your utility bills. Internet and telephones may be affected by over use or emergency systems over riding to meet emergency responder needs.
    • Assess your situation, in whom can you depend on help and what you will need for your particular situation. Make a plan; learn what you will need and what to do for various limited resources.
    • In these stressful times, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical and other records is crucial for necessary supplies, and having access to your personal financial emergency kit of important records will be valuable during and after for the recovery process. See Financial below for these resources.
    • If you are dependent on medical supplies, you need a backup plan.
      • If you have personal attendants, you will need to communicate with health care provider or your attendants to be sure to get adequate coverage is personnel are affected, you will need personal protective gear for both you and your caregivers.
      • If your equipment requires electricity, voluntarily register with your local utility company that you will need assistance in an outage.

    The following resources will assist you in having a plan in case of a pandemic, creating a supply kit, keeping informed of communication, emergency contacts and numbers, and who and how to go for help, if needed. For more guides visit below, Visit NHU's page on Safety: Guides: Emergency Preparedness

      Complete a personal assessment of your needs

      • Are You Considered High Risk - over 65, or do you have a chronic medical condition?
      • Communication plan/checkup plan
      • Personal care/personal care attendants
      • Medical identification
      • Medical alert system (if you are alone)
      • Keep an extra list of phone numbers, if 911 is overloaded
      • Paying bills
      • Important medical and financial documents in order
      • Transportation
      • Errands
      • Special dietary needs
      • Equipment and supplies
      • Getting help
      • Evacuation, mobility
      • Service animal or care for your pet

      Create a Plan - Your plan should include:

        Create a personal support network

        • Contact persons to be available if you need help
        • Family, friends or caregivers who will be available for backup
        • Person to check up on you and someone everyone can call to find out more about you.
        • Person to know your medical and financial information if needed.

        Supply kit

        Unfortunately at this time you may find your supply kit is low. Do not panic, do not hoard. Do plan and add a little at a time to stock pile some supplies for shelter in place. You may need to call ahead to get supplies.

        The CDC recommends that individuals and families have access to several weeks of medications and supplies during the pandemic. If you have a precription for a maintenance medication, medical insurers are waiving refill limits typically set at 30 days will refill for maximum of 90 day supply. Your physician will need to write the prescription although some states may vary with supply restrictions and some doctors may feel there is a risk of medication abuse and could refuse the 90-day refill.

        A few needed supplies for this pandemic are:

        • 90 day supply of your medications.
        • Over the counter medications for cold or flu.
        • Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries
        • Sanitation and hygiene items (Soap, detergents, hand sanitizer, Rubbing Alcohol, Sanitary wipes or sprays, or hydrogen peroxide, bleach solution)
        • Paper towels, toilet paper, tissue, sanitary products, disposable kitchen ware
        • Thermometer
        • Laundry detergent
        • Personal protective equipment, masks, disposable gloves
          New Resource Documents for PPE Use and Conservation -The Department of Health Services (DHS) has developed several new personal protective equipment (PPE) resource documents. These one-pagers provide recommendations on how to use and conserve PPE and are titled:

        To follow "Safer at Home" orders you should also have on hand:

        • 2 week-supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener.
        • First aid kit and manual.
        • In case of emergencies:
          • Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
          • Flashlight and extra batteries.
          • Extra clothing and blankets.
          • Photocopies of identification and credit cards
          • Cash and coins.

    Resources on Preparing for Coronavirus Pandemic for People with Disabilities

    • American Red Cross Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs The American Red Cross has a family preparedness brochure for people with disabilities. This assists you in assessing your needs, learning what you need to do to prepare, how to get informed of emergencies in your area, make a plan, assemble an emergency kit, and how to maintain your emergency plan and kit.

    • Independence Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado has a personal preparedness handbook to help people with disabilities prepare for emergencies. Although the guide includes for all emergencies, it is a good planning resources. This guide includes checklists for Specific Disabilities. Do you Know How an Emergency Might Affect Your Disability?-Identifying affects may help you through the pandemic. This guide includes many Colorado Emergency contact information at the end of the guide.

    • American Association for People with Disabilities Emergency Preparedness partners with Ready.gov to offer the following pandemic guidelines, Preparation checklist, What to during the Pandemic and a list of Coronavirus Resources.

    • myDisasters: DisAbility Preparedness
      • includes disability organization and federal agencies information on emergency preparedness. They also list the principles to guide disaster relief for the 54 million Americans who are disabled and who need to plan ahead in case of an emergency, contact their community about emergency plans, and how to evacuate their home or workplace if needed

    • For more resources on emergency-preparedness, see our NHU Resources page on Safety: Accessible Egress/Evacuation/Disaster Preparedness

How to Prevent Getting the Coronavirus and Protect Others

    Risk Factors

    All of us are at risk from Coronavirus (COVID-19). Those who are over 65 or have preexisting medical conditions are at a higher fatal risk. If you have a heart condition, chronic lung disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney or liver conditions or are immunocompromised, you are more at risk. Review the conditions at People with Certain Medical Conditions: Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness Revisions were made on December 23, 2020 to reflect recent data supporting increased risk of severe illness among persons with Down syndrome from the virus that causes COVID-19. Revisions also include addition of sickle cell disease and chronic kidney disease to the conditions that might increase the risk of severe illness among children. Notably, the list may not include every condition that might increase one’s risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19, such as those for which evidence may be limited (e.g., rare conditions). Individuals with any underlying medical condition (including those conditions that are NOT on the current list) should consult with their healthcare providers about personal risk factors and circumstances to determine whether extra precautions are warranted.

    Even if you are young, you are still at risk and can risk others by not following prevention guidelines.

    Living in close proximity with others can put you at risk.

    • Extra preventive measures of personal protection and sanitation must be followed for people living and working in nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.

    • Living in an apartment complex requires extra preventive measures. Use gloves or sanitary wipes to use any common surfaces such as elevator controls, locks, door knobs, mail counters. Observe the 6' social distancing rule at all times.

    Each of us must help to stop the spread of COVID-19.

    To avoid exposure, keep our communities safe, and reduce the strain on our hospital systems, here are precautions you can take:

    • Stay home as much as possible. Cancel events & avoid groups.
    • Keep at least 6 feet apart from others and avoid direct physical contact.
    • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or do so into your elbow.
    • Avoiding touching your face.
    • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces.
    • Limit your in-person circle to less than 5 people.
    • Visit the CDC's instructions for use, care, how to improve face coverings, types of masks and how to wear a mask at Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Prevention Resources:

Remember to protect yourselves and others as you perform necessary tasks.

  • Observe safe social distancing from others at all times.

  • Perform tasks essential to maintaining health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor.
  • Ask your pharmacy to give you 90 day refills on your prescriptions. Many pharmacies are providing drive thru services.

  • If you need to see a doctor, call your doctor's office to arrange a computer or telehealth conference with your doctor if possible.

  • Get necessary services or supplies for yourselves or your families or household members, such as food and supplies, pet food, and supplies for staying at home.

    • If you venture out, no more than once a week and be sure to where gloves or bring hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you return home. The CDC has asked everyone to where a mask when in public.

    • When you receive anything from a store, restaurant or in the mail, protect yourself by sanitizing or allowing packages to sit for a few days before handling. If you have to go to a store, here are some resources to handle items coming into your home:

  • Eat healthy and exercise, get plenty of sleep and try to maintain a routine. (Read more tips for social and emotional health below.)

What to Do If You Get Ill and How to Take Care of Others

    See the CDC: What to Do if You Are Sick

    • Plan what room to use if someone gets sick to separate from others.
    • Plan who will take care of you, if you get sick.
    • If you get sick, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
    • Keep away from others and limit close contact, use a separate bathroom, do not share items.
    • Continue to use prevention guidelines: cover your coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, clean surfaces.
    • Rest and stay hydrated.

    Watch for coronavirus symptoms, if they worsen call your healthcare provider.
    • Fever or
    • Cough or
    • Shortness of Breath

    If you develop emergency warning signs get medical attention immediately. Call 9-1-1.

    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to arouse
    • Bluish lips or face *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

    If you are taking care of a sick family member or elderly sick relative- follow the preventions listed above and help them monitor their illness.
    If your family member is in a long term care facility, you will not be able to visit them. Stay in touch if possible via phone, text, video chat.

How to Get Help and Supplies

    Your Rights During the Coronavirus

    You have the right to get the help you need, connect with your friends and family, to do safe activities, to stay in your home, and to be heard.

      The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities has written the following guide for people with disabilities in Plain Language. Your Rights During the Coronavirus These can be scary times. This is a list of rights you have during the Coronavirus. Talk about these rights with your friends, family and people who support you.

      Best Practice Guidance to Ensure the Rights of People with Disabilitiesin Long-Term Care During COVID-19 The COVID-19 Crisis has created a new set of concerns related to the rights of people with disabilities. Due to the requirements of social distancing and stay-at home orders, service providers should be careful not to unnecessarily limit people’s rights. This guide was written by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and offers best practices will help service providers ensure the rights of people with disabilities are supported and protected.

    Get Help

      Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.

      Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.

      Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

    Get supplies

      Menu planning and shopping list

      Groceries Online by phone for HOME DELIVER or PICK UP.

        Avoid going to the store. Many stores offer home delivery or pick up. Check with your local store and go online to order. Some require establishing an account. Find them online or some may have a mobile app. Choose delivery or pickup as available. If you choose delivery you will need to enter the address you'd like your groceries delivered to, and what time or you will be assigned a time. Order the items you want, and don't forget any special instructions. Check out using your credit or debit card. There is usually a several day delay now from when you order to picking up your order. Here are a few examples from the Milwaukee area.

        SENDIK'S FOOD MARKETS - https://www.sendiks.com/ Choose location near you, you must Establish My Account

        PICK 'n SAVE -https://www.picknsave.com/i/ways-to-shop/delivery

        WALMART GROCERY Home Delivery Nation Wide - https://grocery.walmart.com/locations/delivery/
        Find your State, Find a City near your home

        MEIJER - GROCERY DELIVERY or PICK UPhttps://shopmeijer.com/">
        1. You must CREATE a MEMBERSHIP - ACCOUNT and SIGN IN
        2. Enter you ZIP CODE in - Home Delivery Location

        ALDI GROCERY - HOME DELIVERY https://www.aldi.us/en/shop-now/grocery-delivery/>
        INSTACART delivery will deliver groceries to your home.

        METRO MARKET - MILWAUKEE AREA - https://www.metromarket.net/
        You MUST enter you ZIP CODE to find a LOCATION NEAR YOU

        TARGET GROCERY ORDERING - https://www.target.com/c/grocery/-/N-5xt1a?Nao=0
        1. Provide your AREA ZIP CODE to find a store near you
        2. CREATE or SIGN IN to an ACCOUNT

      Avoid restaurants, bars and food courts. Use delivery or pick up options.

      Individual Food Assistance

      • If you are in need of resource assistance, call 2-1-1.
      • Find out about food pantries or other services in your area. Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. Locate a food bank in your area: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.
      • States will issue food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which is a federal nutrition program. Applying for SNAP usually involves requirements related to resource and income limits. Apply on line or at a local office. States issue (SNAP benefits) on a card, which you can then use for purchases at participating SNAP grocery stores. The application process has not changed, but a new bill has waived certain requirements due to the COVID-19 emergency.
      • If you are a person with a disability and are in need of an accommodation in the form of food delivery, you can contact your local Office for People with Disabilities to request this accommodation. Please note you will have to provide proof of your disability to receive this accommodation.

        Wisconsin

        • Stores across the state have implemented Senior Shopping Hours, so that those most at risk can shop safely.
        • Hunger Task Force is offering Stock Boxes, featuring cereal, milk, canned veggies and fruits, pasta or rice, protein, fruit juice, canned meats and 2 pounds of cheese, to low income Wisconsinites. If you want to help, donate here.

How to meet Education Needs During the Coronavirus Pandemic
  • GCF Gobal offers Free Learning For adults and teens this website offers free on-line tutorials on technology, work skills, software, core skills, reading and math and much more. Learn about Office software, email and social media to everyday skills of finance and independent living.

  • For Parents - Learn more about Special Education and Home Schooling

    • Special education: history, resources, advice.
      This guide by Western Governors University offers Special Education resources and strategies for teaching students by disability. Additionally the guide takes a look at the history of Special Education in America. From Lyndon Johnson's ESEA in 1966 to the ECSA of 2015 the guide examines what each piece of legislation materially did for those with disabilities as well as explaining what the bureaucratic bodies that enforce them do. Discusses the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and guidelines for 13 disability categories. and types of Technology used in Special Education

    • Visit our NHU pages of teaching children with special needs, special education, homeschooling and resources at including Education Guides and Apps for Education Assistance

    • If your child had an IEP or 504 Plan at school, it still applies to remote learning. Though some accommodations like occupational therapy may not be possible with social distancing, many are still helpful and appropriate. Here, learn Your Child's Educational Rights While Crisis Schooling: IEPs and 504 Plans in a Pandemic and options for accessing educational services during quarantine.

    • Tips for Homeschooling Your Child with Special Needs
      • Use the strategies your child's teacher from school uses to teach at home. If you are unsure about that reach out to their teacher for assistance.
      • Keep a routine.
      • Set attainable goals.
      • Remove distractions.

      • For an indepth guide with lots of tips, visit this article from ADDitude Are You Crisis Schooling? Daily Schedule Advice for ADHD Families Use this expert advice to keep your child happily learning and achieving goals while also social distancing and working from home and banding together as a family.

    • Bringing the Zoo to You In response to the COVID-19 situation, there are virtual viewings thru webcams in most zoos, bringing the zoo to You. Checkout the website of your favorite zoo. This link goes to Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is temporarily closed to the public until further notice, but you can still bring the Zoo home to you! Check out the Zoo’s web cams, podcast, and some additional fun and educational programming created for you and your family at home. Watching the penguin web cam takes you away from the coronavirus.

    • PBS and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction educational programming PBS Wisconsin, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, is dedicating their weekday schedule to educational programming for students learning at home. Find more at home learning resources on this website. Check PBS in your state for educational programming.

How to meet Financial Needs

 Here are sound financial counseling tips to do right away:

  • Pace your spending and make a budget - find budget tools online.
  • Review your bills to figure out if any can be postponed. (See some of the extensions below)
  • Rent/Mortgage is the most critical bill to be payed, you may want to pay this first - accrued rent payments will be owed at some time and then you may not be able to make it up. Check with your landlord or mortgage lender.
  • Call your utilities to get extensions.
  • Call your bank for minimum payments.
  • Pay your credit card minimums and call to get fees diminished - some are deferring payments.
  • Student Loans: most federal loans automatically stopped- but private loans may not.
  • Identify nonessential expenses and reduce these.
  • Identify resources - where you can ask for help, like other food support.
  • Consider the impact of any income on your benefits.
  • For more information visit these free financial counseling articles from Prosperity Now: COVID-19 Resources: A list of resources to help us all weather these uncertain times.

National Resources

  • To find help download NDI's Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development two-pager on Promoting Financial Health and Resiliency for People with Disabilities and Their Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This two page notice pinpoints key resources for people with disabilities to get help during the pandemic. Find resources for financial health and benefits, community resources and how to stay connected. Go to Financial Resiliency Tips

  • Information on Economic Impact Payments: Internal Revenue Service - What you need to know or IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief

    (li)Please note the IRS will not consider economic impact payments as income for SSI recipients. Payment also will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs, such as SSI, SSDI, SNAP, TANF, HUD Rent subsidies, Medicaid, Medicare or Medicare Savings Plans or, Disabled Widower Benefits, Childhood Disability Benefits, and SSA Retirement. For more information visit IRS -Economic Impact Payment Information Center

  • Because the payments will be counted at the end of 12 months, if you do not use this payment in the next 12 months, people with disabilities are being advised to add it to your ABLE Account. For more information on ABLE accounts, visit NHU-Financial FAQ - ABLE Accounts

  • Fannie Mae is offering homeowners, with their loans, a wide range of disaster assistance. Check out the options here.

    • Wisconsin Resources

  • You should follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter for updates from DHS.

  • In the state of Wisconsin; please feel free to reach out to the State Treasurer via email at treasurer@wisconsin.gov with questions.

  • Under the Wisconsin Governor's newly-issued "Safer at Home" order, the Administration has:

    • Issued an emergency order suspending utility disconnections, ceasing late fees, and removing any administrative barriers for customers establishing or reestablishing utility service. Read more here to make sure you are informed and protected.

    • Directed the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to suspend administrative rules and grant schools flexibility during the public health emergency.

    • Requested FEMA assistance in obtaining crucial protective medical supplies for our first responders.

    • Won approval from the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest federal disaster loan access for small businesses affected by COVID-19.

    • Protection from Eviction/Foreclosure. In order to help ensure people are able to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Evers announced a temporary ban on evictions and foreclosures for 60 days. This includes both residential properties, as well as businesses. To read the full document, click here.

    • Prevention of Utility Shut-offs. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has directed regulated utilities to stop disconnection for nonpayment for all customers, including commercial, industrial, and farm accounts. They have also halted late fees and eased a number of administrative rules to keep homes and businesses supplied with light, heat, and water. See Governor Evers Rules Temporary Rules Suspensions. For help with utility disconnections, reach out to the PSC directly 608-266-3766.

  • June 8- Wisconsin Renter Assistance Program Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) are partnering with members of the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (CAP) to assist renters when they need it most. In general, eligible applicants must be an adult Wisconsin resident with a household income at or below 80% of the county median income in the month of, or prior to the application date. The Rental Assistance Program can award up to $3,000 per household in a combination of rental payments and/or security deposits. The payment is paid directly to the landlord. To apply, find and contact the Wisconsin Community Action Program (CAP) agency for your county.

  • Milwaukee County - Are you facing eviction, need temporary housing or assistance with your mortgage. Call Community Advocates Rental Housing Resource Center via phone at 414-270-4646 or go to their website

    Employment Resources for Employees with Disabilities and Employers During the Coronavirus Pandemic
    • If you have been put out of work as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, find out how you can apply for unemployment in your state. Unemployment Benefits Finder

    • In Wisconsin, if you have been put out of work as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the Safer at Home Executive Order, apply for unemployment here. The job search requirements and one week waiting period before receiving benefits have both been waived. For more information on Coronavirus and unemployment check out the Department of Workforce Development's FAQ.

    • If you are on SSI and you were working and have lost your job, you should call 1-800-772-1213 or SSA as SSA will not know unless you let them know. When or if you return to work you must let them know. SSI recipients are required to apply for other public benefits –such as Unemployment insurance – if you receive a written notice from SSA to apply you have 30 daysto apply. Do not take phone calls that say they are SSA; they would be spam. For more information, visit Social Security & Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) updates

    • Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 OSHA published this guide outlining steps employers can take to protect their workforce from occupational exposure to the coronavirus. They are updating this and recommend to look at Protecting Workers Guidance

    • Reasonable Accommodations: JAN offers Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance and practical strategies for accommodating individuals with disabilities during this pandemic public health situation. JAN does not provide public health or legal advice related to workplace issues.

      This means that when an employer receives a request for accommodation to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, an employer must consider this request under the ADA and engage in the interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations, barring undue hardship. To be eligible to receive workplace reasonable accommodations under the federal ADA, an individual must have an "actual" or a record of a disability, as defined by the ADA Amendments Act.

    • Family and Medical Leave Act and the Under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave provision of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a covered employer must provide paid sick leave to a qualifying employee who is unable to work or telework because:

        the employee is subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
        the employee has been advised by a health-care provider to self-quarantine because of COVID-19;
        the employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
        the employee is caring for an individual subject to or advised to be in quarantine or isolation;
        the employee is caring for a son or daughter whose school or place of care is closed, or child-care provider is unavailable, due to COVID-19 precautions;
        the employee is experiencing substantially similar conditions as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury.

    • The U.S. Department of Labor offers Employment tips for Mental Health and Reasonable Accommodations.

      • Workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) on Disability Inclusion's Mental Health Toolkit.

      • Resources and information on reasonable accommodations and COVID-19 from the Job Accommodation Network Job Accommodations Toolkit.

    • Changing or Removing a Reasonable Accommodation in the WorkplaceSarah Small, Consultant on JAN's Cognitive/Neurological Team, focuses on the provision of reasonable accommodations as an ongoing process. Small examines situations under which workplace accommodations may be changed or removed, such as times when the current accommodation no longer meets the disability-related needs of the employee.

    • The ADA and COVID-19 - The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) presented a webinar on The ADA at Work: Considerations for COVID-19, which is now available for viewing. Representatives from EARN and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center discussed how employers can balance guidance on COVID-19 containment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Topics included the implications of the pandemic on disability-related inquiries, medical examinations, and requirements for reasonable accommodations for telework.

    How to meet Social and Emotional Needs During the Coronavirus Pandemic

     While practicing social distancing, try to think of this as a time to reconnect; spiritually, religiously, and even with your health. Because together, we are going to come out of this stronger than we went into it.

    • Use television, radio and national, local government websites for updates on the Coronavirus. Governors in states are giving daytime question and answers. There are daily briefings.

    • Keep informed, but do not immerse yourself in the pandemic. Try to keep a normal routine to your life, work and play.

    • Senior Guide to Mental Health During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tips for how seniors can stay healthy and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic by MedicareAdvantage. This guide provides information on how seniors or anyone with a disability and considered high risk for the virus can learn to manage their mental health until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and social distancing orders can be eased. While there is no easy solution, there are things that can be done to improve overall outlook and boost mental well-being during these challenging times.

    • Pace yourself - talk about expectations with family members, reflect on purpose or identify one thing you would like to accomplish for the day.

    • It's normal to be concerned and anxious during these problematic times.

    • Doing something to take your mind off of any problem can reduce stress and generally make us feel better. Here are some great ideas for what you can do:

    • Reach out and talk to friends.

      • Keep in touch with family and friends.

      • Use your phone, email and social media.

      • Group Video Chat & Conferencing Software and ideas: Families and social groups are using various programs to have group conferencing, yoga, reunions, concerts, book clubs, and more. Be sure to use the privacy and security settings as posted by the event program listed below.

      • People are finding new ways to celebrate birthdays and meet for religious or wedding ceremonies. Many churches and synagogues are providing regular services over the Internet or on local television programming. Check with your local religious affiliation for Passover and Easter offerings.

    • Take a walk. Spend time in Nature. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. -- Rachel Carson (Nature Author, Conservationist)

    • Keep a regular schedule of sleep. Insomnia and Depression could feed on each other. See this article: Is There A Link Between Insomnia and Depression? from Terry Cralle. Yes, there is! Insomnia and depression can lead to other health problems and will not assist your immune system. The article includes discussion on treating Insomnia and Depression.

    • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping, irritability, fatigue, and even stomachaches can be normal. If you get really down or feel depressed, consult your doctor and find help.

    • If you are struggling with mental health, support is available. Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

    • Use Happiness Interventions to find a change in mood and a gain a sense of well being. These are scientifically proven to help us.

      • Practice deep belly breathing will help with rest and digestion.
      • Perform an Act of Kindness -
      • Focus on what you can control. Rather than dwelling on things you cannot control, find what you can. - plan a meal, follow a recipe, find a hobby.
      • Actively practice gratitude. Make a list to remind yourself each day. Create a new list each week and review it every day.
      • Laughter is the best medicine.
      • Eat well and exercise.
        • Visit our NHU Blog article Combating Depression: Exercise Your Mind, Body
        • AdaptatHome from Move United. Find a schedule of virtual adaptive sports you can join, like Adaptive Yoga, Whole Body Conditioning, Virtual Functioning Strength. Disabled Sports USA and Adaptive Sports USA are joining forces under the new name, Move United. The merger unifies community-based adaptive sports under one national organization, bringing recreational and competitive adaptive sports together for the first time.

    • Support Groups:
    • If you find you are overwhelmed or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help right away. Text HOPELINE to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It is more than okay to ask for help.

    • Here are some good pointers for Coping with the emotional trauma from consumer reports - written by a clinical psychologist --Andrew Schwartz, Ph.D.

      This article suggests for you to

        Acknowledge your feelings.

        Take some time to process the events.

        Take a moment to observe the positive.

        Find productive ways to deal with feelings of fear or sorrow.

        Allow yourself to enjoy the routine activities of day to day life.

        Do not hesitate to ask for help.

    Resources

    National

    See also many resources listed above.

    State Resources

     Follow your state's guidance. Decisions about community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness. There is a link to each state resource on this at State Health Departments, select your state in the box.

    Hawaii

    New York

      Contact your local city or county Office for People with Disabilities. This office offers information and resources for survivors of disasters that may need assistance. If you need assistance contact this office for who to contact depending on your needs such as accessible transportation or retrieval from your home. If you need life-saving equipment that requires electricity and you power is out, call 911. If you know of a person that needs assistance contact Senior Care who will retrieve home bound Seniors and relocate them.

      For all the latest information on Bus and Access-A-Ride type services, please visit your local Transit Authority.


    Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin DHS- Coronavirus Disease 2019
  • Wiscontext.org follows the Coronavirus in Wisconsin. Coronavirus news is fast-paced. Articles and charts provide you with what is happening in Wisconsin in regard to Coronavirus.
  • The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Frequently Asked Questions
  • The Wisconsin Department of Health Services - COVID-19 Web Page
  • WEDC COVID-19 Resources Page
  • Are you without a regular doctor in Milwaukee? Milwaukee's Community Health Centers announced that all five organizations have increased testing capacity and now offer COVID-19 diagnostic testing and care for their patients as well as community members without a regular doctor who have COVID symptoms. Click here for more information. The expansion of COVID diagnostic testing at CHCs has been made possible with support from the state and county Emergency Operations Centers coupled with contributions from other community partners; including local health systems

    MORE RESOURCES

      Federal guidelines for emergency shelters (shelters must make exceptions to “no pets” or “no animals” policies to allow people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals. Service animals are not pets and are therefore not subject to restrictions applied to pets or other animals. )

      To search for open shelters: text SHELTER and your Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA) (Standard rates apply) or call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

    Have you considered trying to assist people with disabilities in communities in time of disaster, but do not know how to go about it? See our guide at How to Donate or Provide Assistance for People with Disabilities

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