COVID-19 Disability-Related Resources

There is lots of talk right now about COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. We may come across lots of information out there, but it is not always easy to understand and it can be confusing. The Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities team is pulling together resources from around the world and information to support people with developmental disabilities and their families during this time.

The effort to address COVID-19 is both extremely important for us all and poses a range of challenges on individuals and families as they respond to the demands of the situation. The situation is stressful for everyone and it is normal to be anxious and worried. This site is designed to provide information and suggestions about how best to cope in this difficult time. It is not intended to be a resource for people who require screening for COVID-19 or are experiencing a mental health crisis.

There is an abundance of information available on COVID-19, but little guidance specific to Canadians with neuromuscular disease (NMD), their families, and their caregivers. The Neuromuscular Network for Canada (NMD4C) and Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) hope to support the community by compiling this information, recommendations, and links to additional sources. Information is provided to the best of our current knowledge, but recommendations may change as the situation evolves. For tailored advice and treatment, you need to reach out to your health care provider.

Keeping active is good for us... for our mind, body and spirit. Now, is a great time to share ways we can be active while dealing with the impact of Covid-19 (coronavirus). The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability has started a weekly blog with suggestions on what you can do to stay active and still feel included while being home and isolated. It is important to feel connected these days. You can read the blog and be inspired at: ala.ca - (scroll down the page).

This resource is created by the American Alzheimers Association. Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu. However, dementia-related behaviours, increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.

L’élaboration d’un Protocole de triage était une étape nécessaire et importante, afin d’encadrer les décisions des professionnels de la santé en cas de pénuries extrêmes de ressources. Cependant, que l’on soit en situation d’urgence sanitaire ou non, les décisions cliniques ne devraient jamais être prises en violation des droits fondamentaux de tout être humain.

The following letter (English and French) was sent to the provincial and territorial ministers of health by Minister Qualtrough and Minister Hajdu. This letter includes another letter at the end, that 61 disability organizations sent to Minster Qualtrough and Minister Hajdu stating that triage practices must change.

Dear Minister:

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, issued the following statement:

“From the onset of the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government of Canada has taken significant steps to curb the spread of this virus and to reduce its impacts on the health of Canadians and our economy.

The Canadian Disability Policy Alliance provides this gem. Government disability services and supports have been described as fragmented and difficult to navigate, especially for those new to the process. In an effort to make it easier to find what you’re looking for, they have assembled some basic information about government disability services across the country. In each province or territory, there is a designated office most responsible for coordinating and governing services and supports to people with disabilities. In this brief report, CDPA attempt to summarize:

Rick Hansen speaks to Lisa LaFlamme on CTV about his perspectives on the Covid-19 (Coronavirus). 

From AccessNow's blog: The future of work isn’t remote. It is accessible. As companies move their businesses online and manage their teams virtually, we see progress in ways of working that our community often advocates for. Remote work doesn’t just help #FlattenTheCurve by staying indoors but it also levels the workplace and proves that accessibility for all is possible. Access to digital platforms and tools can get the job done whether you’re in the office or not. 

This webpage outlines support for:

• individuals and families
• people facing unemployment

• people who are sick, quarantined, or in directed self-isolation

• people who are unable to work

• Indigenous peoples

• people who need it most

• seniors

• students and recent graduates

Of note: As of April 6 2020, people with disabilities are not on this list as of yet.