COVID-19 Information & Resources

• July 1, 2020

In these unprecedented times, DRT staff are continuing to work remotely while our offices are closed to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities and provide guidance to our community to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all. Below you will find information, resources, and guidance specific to COVID-19. We will be updating regularly.

DRT's Services

• Read how DRT has expanded our services in response to COVID-19.
• DRT Intake is still receiving calls 1-800-342-1660 and emails GetHelp@disabilityrightstn.org. Please reach out for information and referral.
• DRT is continuing to monitor institutions for abuse and neglect through new telemonitoring methods. 
• DRT is safeguarding inclusive access to goods and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts include ensuring effective communication for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing when ordering and picking up fast food through a drive thru. 
• DRT is working to ensure students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans receive supplemental materials that supports their plans during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• DRT is gathering resources and information pertaining to education.
• DRT is monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on individual's with disabilities' employment needs.
• DRT is developing resources and services to address medication shortages and access issues.
• DRT is continuing our systemic advocacy for disability rights issues arising during the pandemic. For example, DRT jointly filed an OCR complaint March 27, 2020 about the COVID-19 treatment rationing plan in Tennessee, which resulted in significant changes to Tennessee policy. Read about the complaint resolution.

If you have an issue or concern related to COVID-19, contact us at 1-800-342-1660 or at GetHelp@DisabilityRightsTN.org.

General COVID-19 Information

• Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 – Information and resources specific to COVID-19.
• Tennessee COVID-19 Updates – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee updating the media about COVID-19. Availble in ASL, with captions and in written transcripts. 

      Plain Language 

• COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities - Resource Green Mountain Self-advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Also available in Spanish. 
• COVID-19: What in the World is Going on? - Plan language video explaining COVID-19 and changes to daily life. 
• Each of Us Must Help Protect Our Community at This Time - An explanation of COVID-19 and how to navigate it written by Dr. Bruce Davis is the deputy commissioner of Clinical Services for the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. 

      American Sign Langauge (ASL)

• COVID-19 Prevention tips in ASL– Video of COVID-19 prevention tips in American Sign Language. 
• COVID-19 Symptoms in ASL- An overview of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 presented in American Sign Language
• COVID-19 Management in ASL- What to do if you think you have been exposed or start to feel symptoms of COVID-19 presented in American Sign Language.

COVID-19 Related Services and Resources

      General

• Disability Pathfinder finder Disaster Relief and COVID-19 Resources - In response to the recent tornadoes in TN & the outbreak of the Coronavirus, TN will connect individuals to Info & resources. Call 1-800-640-4636 for one-on-one assistance.
• COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities - Resource lists curated by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. 
• COVID-19 and Social Insurance and Benefits Programs - Cornell University Institute on Employment and Disability's review of key language in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as guidance for understanding the impact on benefits.
• Do You Know Your Rights with COVID-19? - Gudance from the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities on how to advocate for your healthcaare during COVID-19.
• Safeguard Against Disability Discrimination During COVID-19 - Information based on guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights explaining how to include individuals with disabilities in the COVID-19 response to ensure equitable care.
• Know Your Medical Care Rights During COVID-19 - Information about your rights to healthcare during the pandemic. 
• The ADA and Face Mask Policies - Wearing a face mask may be difficult for some people with a disability. This fact sheet offers answers to questions about the issue of face mask policies, wearing face masks, reasons why a person with a disability might not be able to wear a face mask, and the legal rights a person has under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

      Education

• Secondary Family Tip Sheet: Back to School for Students with Disabilities After COVID-19 Closure - The TN Department of Education provides guidance for secondary students returning to school. Available in Spanish. 
• Elementary Family Tip Sheet: Back to School for Students with Disabilities After COVID-19 Closure - The TN Department of Education provides guidance for elementary students returning to school. Available in Spanish. 
• School Closures Toolkit for Special Populations-  School closures and the implementation of virtual learning opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic have raised questions regarding the provision of services to special populations.
• US Department of Education Supplemental Fact Sheet - Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities.
• Supporting Students with Disabilities During COVID-19 - Resources for Tennessee Educators from the TN Department of Education.
• Supporting Students with Disabilities During COVID-19 - Resources for Tennessee Families from the TN Department of Education.
• Resources for Families - A quick referrence list of education resources from the TN Department of Edcuation. 

      Communication and Visual Supports

• Supporting People with Autism Through Uncertain Times - UNC FPG Child Development Institute's 7 Strategies to Support Individuals with ASD through Uncertain Times.
• Supporting Communication with Patients who have COVID-19 - Communication boards for people who have limited verbal communication.
• Washing Hands Visual Support - Vandberbilt Kennedy Center Visual of the appropriate way to wash your hands. 
• Community Participation is Limited Visual Support - Vandberbilt Kennedy Center Visual helping to explain social distancing. 
• School is Closed - Vandberbilt Kennedy Center Visual helping to explain that schools are closed. 

DRT Guidance 

• DRT Response and Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak - DRT's response to COVID-19 and guidance for to health departments, state and local agencies, and other entities disseminating information about and planning responses to this evolving public-health situation.
• Recommendations for Supporting People Receiving Homebased Community Services - A co-signed letter including policy recommendations to Tennessee Governor Lee for how to support people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Make Media Briefing Accessible - Information about how to ensure media briefings are accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 
• Make Drive-Throughs Accessible - Information about how to ensure drive-through restaurants are accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 
• Hospital Visitor Tip Sheet for Individuals with Disabilities Who Need a Support Person - Tips for navigating hospitals that now have “no-visitor” policies because of COVID-19.