Disability Rights Louisiana has put together this resource page full of helpful links to information and resources related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic:
General Information
- Members of the public can continue to get information from the Governor’s office by visiting Coronavirus.la.gov and by texting LACOVID to 67283
- Members of the public can continue to get information from the Department of Health by visiting ldh.la.gov/coronavirus
- People with general questions about COVID-19 in Louisiana can call Louisiana’s 2-1-1 Hotline for access to the most current information available. Website includes general information (prepared by the Louisiana Department of Health)
Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Information & Updates – provides general information, resources, and information for healthcare professionals
CDC COVID-19 Toolkit for Older Adults and High Risk Individuals 1/14/21 – contains guidance and tools to help older adults and people at higher risk and those who serve or care for them make decisions, protect their health, and communicate with their communities. Includes resources with information on the COVID-19 vaccines, tips on self care as well as for caretakers of older and high risk individuals, resources for people with specific medical conditions, informational videos, PSAs and more
COVID-19 Accessible Resources – The Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI), with funding from the CDC Foundation and technical assistance from CDC is adapting COVID-19 materials into accessible formats for people with disabilities.
The project has created a microsite to house all of the materials which has now gone live. On the microsite, you can request embossed braille, download accessible Word Documents and PDFs, and register for upcoming webinars related to COVID-19 and people with disabilities. More accessible materials are coming soon.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Plain Language -This 4-page booklet from SARTAC (Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center) 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.
COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet in plain language:
This COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheet from Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is available in two versions:
Easy Read Edition. The Easy Read version uses pictures along with large text, and has more white space.
Click here to download the Easy Read version of the COVID-19 Fact Sheet.
A Plain Language Version without accompanying graphics.
Click here to download the Plain Language version of the COVID-19 Fact Sheet.
World Health Organization: Rolling Updates – general updates and online courses for healthcare professionals
NOLA Ready (New Orleans) – general information & resources throughout the New Orleans area including links for assistance and volunteer opportunities
COVID-19 Explanation: Video in Plain Language & Captioned– awareness video created by the Oregon Developmental Disabilities Office
What You Need to Know About COVID-19 – a video with information in plain language put together by Rooted in Rights and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Plain Language Information on Coronavirus – By & For People With Disabilities – released by The Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)
Información de COVID-19 Por y Para Personas con Discapacidades – (Spanish version of the above)
Coronavirus ASL Hotline – Communication Service for the Deaf (CDC)’s free hotline brings the deaf community important and accessible information on COVID-19 in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) “Know Your Rights During COVID-19” video series -Videos on a wide variety of COVID-19 related topics that explain what your rights are & what to do if they are violated. Areas include transportation, housing, healthcare, prisons, Indian Health Services & medical rationing, and domestic violence
National Disability Institute (NDI): CARES Act & Family First Response Act’s Impact on People With Disabilities – National Disability Institute’s analysis of how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security (CARES) Act and Family First Response Act will impact the disability community
Medical/Health
Autism Society: Coronavirus Toolkit – provides COVID-19 information and resources by topic, including Mental Health & Respite, Modifying Routines, Lifestyle Supports, and more
Coping & Stress Management
Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) Free Counseling: Keep Calm Through COVID Hotline – free crisis telephone hotline providing trained, compassionate counselors to support Louisianans during this time
Behavioral Health Tip Sheet For Infectious Disease Outbreak – tips for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Talking to Young Children Isolated Due To CoronaVirus – tips provided by LSU Health
Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – recommendations and warning signs provided by SAMHSA
The Psychological Impact of Quarantine & How to Reduce It – review of the psychological impact of quarantine
Mental Health Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak – developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Department
Tips for the Public: Managing Your Stress – tips provided by TX Department of Health & Human Services
Here is a link to a comprehensive list of webinars being offered by Families Helping Families Centers across the state. Anyone can register and attend the webinars. These webinars will provide exceptional information, resources and support. Access to these web-based trainings are especially important during this time of social distancing.
This web page will be continually updated so check the link regularly.
Food
School Meal Sites: Parish by Parish – updated list provided by the Louisiana Department of Education
Meals on Wheels – find free meals provided to seniors near you with database searchable by zip code
Second Harvest Food Bank (New Orleans) – partnering with United Way & local Councils on Aging to get meals to people in need, also includes to volunteer and donate
Housing
CSF: The Community Support Fund – Information about the Finance Authority of New Orleans’ support fund to provide rental and utility assistance to qualifying families within Orleans Parish
Housing: Know Your Rights During COVID-19 – an informative video about housing rights, options, and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Put together by Disability Rights Texas in conjunction with the National Disability Rights Network
City of New Orleans COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program – Effective April 1, The City of New Orleans in partnership with Total Community Action is offering rental assistance to workers that have been impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. The program will be open strictly to Orleans Parish residents who are not getting paid by their employers or are not receiving rental assistance through other organizations
Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative (New Orleans) – Information regarding evictions, landlord harassment, questions about rental assistance, and advice for Section 8 & Public Housing Tenants
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services – legal services hotline, partnering with Jane Place to answer legal questions for renters
Volunteers
Guidelines for Volunteers & Volunteer Organizations During COVID-19 Outbreak in Louisiana – guidelines from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Camp Restore (New Orleans) – coordinating volunteer opportunities in New Orleans
Hands On (New Orleans) – opportunities to help with food distribution, virtual volunteering, and more
Charities/Faith Based Organizations
United Way – information on community response and recovery funds
Catholic Charities (North Louisiana) – donations, assistance, and volunteer opportunities throughout North Louisiana
Catholic Charities (New Orleans)
Baptist Community Ministries – donations, assistance, and volunteer opportunities
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans – central coordinating body for New Orleans’ Jewish community, contact for more information
Federal and State Guidelines:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released COVID-19 guidance, with a primary focus on family members and caregivers who support people with developmental disabilities.
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- COVID-19 Toolkit for Older Adults and People of High Risk 1/14/21
- Guidance for Direct Service Providers 6/28/20
- Guidance for Group Homes for Individuals with Disabilities – 5/30/20
- Guidance for Direct Service Providers, Caregivers, Parents, and People with Developmental and Behavioral Disorders – 5/27/20
- People with Developmental and Behavioral Disorders – 5/27/20
- Responding to COVID-19 in Nursing Homes – 4/30/20
- Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings – 7/15/20
- Additional Infection Control Guidance for Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Settings – 6/25/20
- Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Facility Checklist – 6/25/20
- People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness – 6/25/20
We have included the following links from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), containing guidelines and resources focusing on people with disabilities, caregivers, healthcare providers, and other related topics.
For full collection of links from LDH containing guidance and resources related to COVID-19, please visit their website: LDH – Coronavirus COVID-19 Guidance & Resources
Louisiana Department of Health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Medicaid Information – this link contains regularly updated information including information for members, guidance for providers, health plan advisories, emergency rules, and requests submitted to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Louisiana Department of Health: Provider Information – this link includes LDH guidance for providers, as well as forms to report COVID related conditions, and guidance for Long Term Care Facilities
Louisiana Department of Health: Vaccine Eligibility for People with Disabilities and Their Providers (2/1/21) -This document is designed to offer COVID-19 eligibility guidance for Louisiana residents with disabilities (aged 16+) and their support providers.
LDH posted a document entitled “Guidance on the Provision of Health Care Services in a Non-Discriminatory Manner During the COVID-19 Event” on 4/2/20, under the Guidance for Providers section.
Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus for Providers – 2/14/20
Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus in homes and residential communities
Protocols for providers seeking PPE’s
Nursing Home Facility Toolkit – Guidance for PPE & Infection Control, Staffing, & Testing Recommendations
LDH Departmental Memos of note:
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
OCDD Frequently Asked Questions -4/8/20
OCDD COVID-19 Exemptions -3/18/20
Office of Aging & Adult Services (OAAS): COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions 4/17/20
OCDD memo 3/22/20 to Home and Community Based Providers: Emergency Preparedness/Staffing Suggestions
OCDD-OAAS: 4-15-20 Addressing Potential Staffing Shortages
OCDD: 7/2/20 memo to ICF-IID providers: COVID-19 Testing
LDH: Health Alert Network Messages
LDH: Health Alert Network Message 20-16 – COVID-19 Is A Reportable Disease in Louisiana and Update on Clinical Guidance for Return to Normal Activity Following A Suspected Or Confirmed Case
LDH: Health Alert Network Message 20-37 – Update: Testing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care Facilities, and Other Congregate Settings
LDH Healthy Louisiana – Informational Bulletins
LDH Healthy Louisiana – Informational Bulletin 20-13 (5.1.20) -Infection Control Guidance for Home Health Agencies
LDH Healthy Louisiana – Informational Bulletin 20-9 (revised 5.5.20) – Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Personal Care Services
LDH Healthy Louisiana – Informational Bulletin 20-12 (revised 5.12.20) – Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Update for Pediatric Day Health Care (PDHC) Facilities: Infection Control Guidance and Temporary Allowance of InHome Services
LDH Healthy Louisiana – Informational Bulletin 20-6 – (revised 6.18.20) – COVID-19 – Telemedicine/Telehealth Facilitation by Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
LDH Healthy Louisiana – Informational Bulletin 20-4 (revised 6.18.20) -Telemedicine/Telehealth Facilitation of Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHR) Services During the COVID-19 Declared Emergency
Medicare/Medicaid related links:
LDH 5/12/20 memo: COVID-19 update for Louisiana Medicaid NEMT Providers
LDH 4/9/20 Timeline for requesting an appeal on Medicaid decisions extended
Louisiana Rules on Waivers in Light of Covid – from Louisiana Register 4/20/20
Family & Caregiver Preparedness
COVID-19 Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)
Decision Tree for determining in-home caregivers during COVID
How to Prepare for Hospitalizations for CYSHCN during the COVID Response
When should I close my Child Care Center? A COVID Flowchart (3/20/20)
Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs Ombudsman Program
Financial/Benefits/Employment
Common COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Related Benefits Questions & Answers (4/29/20) – Disability Rights Louisiana has put together a document that answers some common questions people have related to what might happen to their existing benefits, and what new benefits they might be eligible for during the COVID-19 crisis. This document includes information related to stimulus payments, Unemployment Insurance, SNAP, SSI, Social Security, Medicaid, tax filing, and ways that we can help you address your benefits-related concerns.
Center for Disease Control (CDC): Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (5/6/20) – guidance to help prevent workplace exposures along with planning considerations for worsened conditions
Louisiana Workforce Commission COVID-19 Unemployment Information – if your employment has been affected by COVID-19, please file your Unemployment Insurance Claim here
Louisiana Workforce Commission COVID-19 Information By Division– gives important information including changes to procedures, unemployment claims, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, Veterans’ Services, Rapid Response program steps to help companies and employees facing layoffs, and more
Louisiana Workforce Commission COVID-19 FAQ – frequently asked questions for claimants affected by COVID-19
IRS: Non-filers enter payment info here – instructions for beneficiaries who do not normally file tax returns to receive Economic Impact Payments related to COVID-19 relief
Small Business Administration: Disaster Loan Assistance – online applications & information on eligibility
Social Security Administration (SSA): COVID-19 Updates (6/1/20) – updates from the SSA regarding office closures, phone & online accessibility
What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19 (6/11/20) – fact sheet released by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, who enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws, including the requirement for reasonable accommodation and rules about medical examinations and inquiries
Information subject to change. Please stay posted for further updates.
For more information, please call Disability Rights Louisiana at
1-800-960-7705 or email us at info@disabilityrightsla.org
