COVID-19 & Vaccine Information & Resources

• December 7, 2021

In these unprecedented times, DRT staff are continuing to work to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities and provide guidance to our community to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all. While our offices are still closed to the public, we have returned to the community, conducting abuse and neglect investigations, offering outdoor trainings and outreaches, and conducting legal and advocacy interventions in-person as necessary.

For assistiance from DRT, contact 1-800-342-1660 or GetHelp@disabilityrightstn.org.

Quick Links to Resource Sections

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• General COVID-19 Information
• COVID-19 Related Services and Resources
• DRT Guidance

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

      Eligibility and Access

• In-Home Vaccine Program - Tennesseans with disabilities over the age of 18 can now get a FREE COVID-19 vaccine in their own home! Call DRT at 800-342-1660 to register today.  Video in English   Video in Spanish
• Your Right to a COVID-19 Vaccine - In this video you learn about people with disabilities right to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Video in English and ASL. Video in Spanish.
• Will’s story: Promoting Vaccine Confidence in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - The CDC recommends vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone 5 years and older. In this video, an adult with Down syndrome shares his initial hesitation in getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the steps he took to educate himself. 
• Vaccine Hesitancy and Autism: A Family’s Story - The CDC recommends vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone 5 years and older. In this video, a parent of a child with autism shares her family’s story of educating themselves on vaccine safety and addresses additional concerns present in the Hispanic community. Video in Spanish. 
• State of Tennessee COVID-19 Information – Search for testing and vaccination sites in your area. 

      FAQ

• What’s Important to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines - blog by Bruce Davis, PhD, BCBA-D, Sr. LPE, LPC,  is the deputy commissioner of Clinical Services for the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19, Vaccines, and more - Answers from the TN Health Department about COVID-19 vaccines. 

      Plain Language 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Social Story in English - COVID-19 Vaccine Social Stories created by the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
• COVID-19 Vaccine Social Story in Spanish - COVID-19 Vaccine Social Stories created by the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Plain Language - This 4-page booklet 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 Vaccines: A Plain Language Guide - A guide in clear language from the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities about COVID-19 Vaccines. 

 

General COVID-19 Information

• Get Free Home COVID Tests - Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
• Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 – Information and resources specific to COVID-19.
• State of Tennessee COVID Information - Website launched 10.2020 by the state of TN to share local COVID information. 

      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 Language ​(ASL)

• CDC Mask Guidelines - BridgesTN and BridgesWEST share these new guidelines as well as information about FDA-approved and FDA-cleared masks that offer both protection and communication access.
• ASL Video Series: Information for People with Disabilities and Their Care Providers - CDC vaccine recommendations for people with disabilities. 
• ASL Video Series: Are COVID-19 vaccines safe? - Learn from the CDC why vaccines are safe and effective. 
• ASL Video Series: What To Do If You Are Sick - CDC information about what to do if you are sick with COVID-19.
• ASL Video Series: How COVID-19 Spreads - CDC information about how COVID-19 spreads. 
• ASL Video Series: How Masks Protect You and Others - Information from the CDC about how masks protect others from COVID-19.

 

COVID-19 Related Services and Resources

      General

• Emergency Rental Assistance - Tennessee Housing and Development Agency 
• 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? - Guidance from the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities on how to advocate for your healthcare 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).

      Community Care Settings

• Guidance for Adult Day Services Centers - Information from the CDC on Strategies for Administrators and Staff to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
• Guidance for Participants at Adult Day Services Centers and Their Caregivers - Information from the CDC for Participants at Adult Day Services Centers and Their Caregivers about Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

      Education

• Mask Up for Students with Disabilities - A review of the benefits for students with disabilities when there is universal masking in schools.
• Accommodating Students with Disabilities Who Cannot Wear Masks - Information about how to request a reasonable accommodation in school for students who cannot wear masks. 
• Free Resources for Autism and Care Amid COVID-19 Pandemic - Resources from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and TRIAD for families, early intervention providers, and diagnosticians.
• Know Your Rights: Education Rights During COVID-19 Distance Learning - Guidance for navigating your child's education rights while distance learning. 
• 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 - Information about serving students 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 reference list of education resources from the TN Department of Education. 

      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 - Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Visual of the appropriate way to wash your hands. 

 

DRT Guidance 

• In-Home Vaccine Program - Tennesseans with disabilities over the age of 18 can now get a FREE COVID-19 vaccine in their own home! Call DRT at 800-342-1660 to register today.
• Mask Up for Students with Disabilities - A review of the benefits for students with disabilities when there is universal masking in schools.
• Accommodating Students with Disabilities Who Cannot Wear Masks - Information about how to request a reasonable accommodation in school for students who cannot wear masks. 
• 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.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Principles - The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities’, which includes DRT’s national organization the National Disability Rights Network, recommendations for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines distributions to be equitable and just for people with disabilities. 
• 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.