Moreover, on Monday, March 16, our staff will have intermittent office hours as we transition our operations to telecommuting in order to take care of our families and again, to minimize our social exposure.
We want you to know that as always, we are committed to supporting you. These coming weeks will be trying for all families living in Ohio, but as we know, it will be more challenging for individuals and families living with autism because of the change in routine and disruption of planned activities.
Our Help Line remains open (330-940-1441 Ext.1). We hope you will call or email if you need someone to talk to, brainstorm ideas on creating structure in a home environment, or how to communicate what is happening to your loved one. We are working on some social stories and will get those out to you soon.
We encourage you to practice common sense hygiene, rely on reputable sources for information, and review your disaster and disruption preparedness plans.
We are in this together!
Stay healthy and call us if you need us,
Join ASA each week for the "Autism Society: Coronavirus Information Series", a weekly Facebook Live event that addresses the added COVID-19 challenges for the autism community including, mental health, emergency funding, and financial planning.
Information on Education in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Education's Coronavirus (COVID-19) web page provides information and resources regarding the ordered school-building closure including an FAQ Document that is updated regularly.
Meals through Your School
Refer to the map and map site key for available meal service in your area. Contact your school or district for details about their meal programs.
Questions? Call the Ohio Department of Health Call Center at 833-4-ASK-ODH from 9 am to 8 pm every day.
COVID-19 & THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY
Disaster Preparedness Tips by the Autism Society
Q&A On Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During COVID-19
Keep up-to-date with news from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Plain Language Facts about COVID-19 and Coronavirus Created by Green Mountain Self-Advocates in Vermont
HOSPITAL QUESTIONS
Q1: Can a parent/guardian or provider stay with a person who has an intellectual or developmental disability? Both Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic Akron General allow a guest to remain with a person with I/DD. Here are links to the website policies for both hospitals:
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Q2: If a person with intellectual or developmental disability has to enter a hospital/emergency room without the assistance of their direct support professional or family member, how will medical staff know how to help them? OACB has created a one-page (front/back) document that can be completed by a provider, county board, or family member to share key health information with medical professionals. READ MORE and DOWNLOAD FORM ...
COVID-19 TOOLKITS
AuSM Guide to Managing Self-Quarantine and Social Distancing
This AuSM guide is a resource to support adults with autism through these unpredictable days.
University of North Carolina: COVID-19 Toolkit
Free resources for supporting youth with ASD during uncertain times; includes COVID-19 social narratives, hand washing task analysis, and calming strategies.
Autism Society of America COVID-19 Toolkit
Resources include information on mental health and respite, modifying routines, lifestyle supports, education, public policy, and more.
Wellness Toolkit
Mental health supports and resources as you teach and help your children through this crisis.
HEALTH FACTS & RESOURCES
Some Helpful Links
How it Spreads
Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
What to do if You are Sick
How to Protect Yourself
Best Practices in Handwashing
Prevention for Older Adults or Those With Underlying Conditions
DIY Mask Instructions
Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
