With social distancing regulations mandated during the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us struggle to quickly and suddenly adapt our typical routines and habits. Caregivers of children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) may be facing the added burden of a change in their own routine as well as that of their child or loved one. These materials provide a wide range of tools and resources specific to the needs of caregivers of children or adults with IDD during times of disaster, including pandemics, natural disasters and violent situations. Difficult times like these are often unpredictable, but we believe these resources will help you and your loved ones navigate challenges that may arise.
Pandemic Resources
- Pandemic and Viral Diseases Resources Handout
- Normal Life Has Been Disrupted: Managing the Disruption Caused by COVID-19 (Source: Occupational Therapy Association)
- Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During and Infectious Disease Outbreak (Source: SAMHSA)
- Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home (Source: CDC)
- Special Needs Considerations for Coronavirus (Source: Easterseals)
- 7 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Quarantine (Source: Easterseals)
Natural Disaster Resources
Social Stories™ Resources
- Social Stories™ Resources Handout
- Autism Social Stories for Hurricanes (Sources: The Autism Helper and Easterseals)
- Bad Weather (Source: Missouri State University)
- Bush Fire Social Story™ (Source: Early Connections Alliance)
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[accordion collapsed]Mental Health Resources for Caregivers
- Mental Health Online Resources Handout
- Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event (Source: CDC)
- Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress (Source: SAMHSA)
- Disaster Distress Helpline (Source: SAMHSA)
- Disaster Distress Helpline Wallet Card (Source: SAMHSA)
- SAMHSA Hotline Information Handout
- Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies Handout
- Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters Handout
- Apps for Mental Health Needs Handout
- Mental Health Websites Handout
- Free Mindfulness Resources to Find Calm and Nourish Resilience During the COVID Outbreak (Source: Mindful)
- Warning Signs and Risk Factors for Emotional Distress (Source: SAMHSA)
- Mental Health Support Hotlines Handout
How the Government Protects Us in Times of Disaster
- How the Government Protects Us in Times of Crisis: Online Resources Handout
- The Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion (REAADI) for Disasters Act (Source: Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies)
- The Readying Elders and Americans with Disabilities Inclusively (READI) for Disasters Act (Source: Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies)
- The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA) (Source: Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies)
- REAADI and DRMA Handout
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Quick Facts Handout
- Office of Civil Rights Quick Facts Handout
- Other HHS Divisions Handout
- Government Resources and Legislation Apps Handout
- Pennsylvania Government Resources Quick Facts Handout