With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic beginning in the spring of 2020, schools across the Commonwealth have closed, meetings, events and gatherings canceled or postponed, and, in the interest of everyone’s health and well being, we have had to change our lifestyles in very important ways. Such social isolation and distancing has run counter to the community building and in-person support that MDSC has offered for nearly four decades. Still, MDSC is here to help. As the Covid pandemic plods on, our Team continues to review the full breadth of resources, determining which are the most informative and helpful to our families and loved ones with Down syndrome. See below for our curated list.
Feel free to send us resources you’ve found that are helpful by emailing us at info@mdsc.org so we can share them with others. And be sure to check back as we will be updating the resources regularly for as long as is necessary.
- Community vans deliver free COVID-19 vaccines for everyone, including those who do not have insurance – MGH Brigham
- Covid-19 Vaccines for Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised People – CDC Update (January 7, 2022)
- Covid-19 Vaccine Information – MGH Brigham
- Covid-19 and Down Syndrome Survey from T21RS Covid Task Force — survey of 1708 individuals with Down syndrome who have received the Covid-19 vaccination; shows that the vaccine is safe and effective.
- VaxAbilities disability-friendly vaccination events across Massachusetts — These events will have extra staff on hand to provide skilled support to people with disabilities and/or sensory support needs.
- Massachusetts Homebound Vaccination Program Resource Guide and Information — Commonwealth of MA (March 2021)
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Vaccine Update from MDSC Medical & Scientific Advisory Council — information on the Covid vaccines that our MDSC Medical & Scientific Advisory Council has reviewed for dissemination to our members
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Information for COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 75 and older is now available in 10 languages (Arabic, Albanian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)
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Letter to MA Executive Office of Health & Human Services Secretary Sudders requesting that people with Down syndrome over 40 receive top priority for the Covid vaccine — MDSC Medical & Scientific Advisory Council
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Covid-19 Vaccine Advisory for Home-Based Healthcare Workers in Massachusetts (Jan. 8) — MA Exec. Office of Health & Human Services
- MA Vaccine Prioritization and DDS Funded Congregate Day Settings — A Joint Letter to MA Secretary of Health & Human Services Marylou Sudders
- New Guidance Regarding People with Down Syndrome at Increased Risk of Severe Covid-19 Illness — U.S. Centers for Disease Control
- Safe Re-entry of People with Down Syndrome Into Their Communities — MassGeneral Hospital Down Syndrome Program
- Down Syndrome Vaccine Allocation Recommendations — National Down Syndrome Society & LuMind IDSC Foundation
- General Vaccine & Congregate Homes Update (Jan. 5) – The Arc of MA
- Answers to common questions from vaccine providers about the Covid-19 vaccine — MA Department of Public Health
- Covid-19 Vaccination Position Statement — Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (USA)
- T21RS Statement with regards to vaccinations for people with Down syndrome during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Joint Covid-19 Postition Statement — On Equity for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Safety — AADMD
- National Down Syndrome Congress Policy & Advocacy Newsline with Information on New Covid Vaccine
- Boston Children’s response to COVID-19 — https://www.childrenshospital.org/covid19
- Centers for Disease Control
- Print resources in English, Chinese, and Spanish – Facts about COVID-19, What you need to know, What to do if you are sick, and more!
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public, also in Spanish, French, Russian, simplified Chinese, and Arabic
- Mass.gov
- Coronavirus updates for individuals and families
- Fact Sheets in English, Chinese, and Spanish
- DDS COVID-19 Resources and Support
- DDS Commissioner Ryder’s Message to Families *December 17
- DDS Outdoor Visitation Guidance *Updated July 1
- Outdoor Visitation Graphic *June 6
- Coronavirus Resources for DDS Providers *April 13
- Coronavirus Resources for DDS Families and Individuals *April 14
- Residential Program Guidance – Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) *April 13
- Coronavirus Update for Individuals and Families (May 22)
- COVID-19 guidance and information from Department of Public Health
- City of Boston
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Common Questions – fact sheets in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, simplified Chinese, Portuguese, and Vietnamese
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Guidance – handouts in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, simplified Chinese, Portuguese, and Vietnamese
- Harvard Medical School – Coronavirus Resource Center
- IRS launches new tool to help non-filers register for Economic Impact Payment
- Safety Considerations for People with Down Syndrome During the Pandemic, Fall 2021 – Aug. 19 Webinar
- Safety Considerations for People with Down Syndrome During COVID-19 – Nov. 17 Webinar
- DDS Visitation Policy for Residential Programs, updated September 23, 2020
- Safety Considerations as the Re-Entry Process Begins for People with Down Syndrome into Their Communities, July 21st Webinar
- MGH Down Syndrome Program – COVID-19: Recommendations for People with Down Syndrome to Safely Re-enter into the Community
- ‘When can we return to activities?‘ with Dr. Nicole Baumer, Down Syndrome Program at Boston Children’s Hospital
- Navigating Towards an Eventual Safe Return Podcast (with Dr. Andrew Nowalk) – May 15 podcast, Down Syndrome Center of Western PA
- COVID-19 information by and for people with disabilities – Green Mountain Self Advocates (VT)
- Masks and Hand washing video with Boardmaker symbols – Special Education with Pat
Back to School
- Issues Related to School Reopening for Students with Down Syndrome, Fall 2021 – Aug. 12 Webinar
- May 13, 2021 – Questions and Answers to Civil Rights and School Reopening in the COVID-19 Environment, United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
- Issues Related to School Reopening for Students with Down Syndrome, Webinar with Attorney Daniel Heffernan (August 6, 2020)
- July 2020, Resilience Now for Parents – Helping Our Kids Go Back to School Well – A Practical Guide for Parents & Educators During COVID-19
- September 3, 2020 – Back to School Letter for Families of Children with Disabilities
- September 25, 2020 – Family Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Compensatory Services and Recovery Support for Students with IEPs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- October 27, 2020 – Procedures for Temporary Waiver of Classroom Ratios in Preschool Inclusionary Programs
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Advocates for Children
- Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 frequently asked questions for schools and districts regarding special education
- Important update from our partners at Mass Advocates for Children
- With Massachusetts schools shuttered for several more weeks, many of our families are being told that schools do not have to provide any special education services. This is not true. According to MAC, school districts are now being told that they have to provide as many IEP services as possible to your children during the COVID-19 crisis, while protecting the health and safety of families and teachers.
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Education Resources for Students and Families
- Frequently Asked Questions – about masks, close contact, Test and Stay, and more (updated September 20, 2021)
- Frequently Asked Questions – about outdoor recess, guidelines for vaccinated individuals, mask requirements, and the travel advisory (updated March 22, 2021)
- Frequently Asked Questions – plexiglass dividers, summer educational services, and library books (updated March 15, 2021)
- Frequently Asked Questions for Schools and Districts Regarding Special Education (updated January 22, 2021)
- Guidance: Strengthening Our Remote Learning Experience
- Comprehensive Special Education Guidance for the 2020-2021 School Year
- Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance
- Promoting Student Engagement, Learning, Wellbeing and Safety During Remote and Hybrid Learning (Winter 2020)
- Adapted Student Feedback Surveys (available in English, Cape Verdean, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish)
- Remote Learning Practice Profile: Simultaneous Instruction Hybrid Models
- Massachusetts Advocates for Children – Special Education Services in Massachusetts during COVID-19: Questions and Answers
- Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program
- MGH Brigham
- Ensuring Equity in Response to COVID-19 Webinar (May 19, 2021)
- COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities – The Disparities Solution Center MGH
- William James College
Resources, curriculum materials, subscriptions
- Education Companies offering free subscriptions – comprehensive spreadsheet with information about companies who are currently offering free subscriptions
- Scholastic Learn at Home
- Core Knowledge – free curriculum materials for students in PreK through 8th grade
- Storyline Online – Screen Actors Guild reading picture books with engaging videography
- 150+ educational shows on Netflix
- Free coloring books from museums
- Fluency & Fitness – offering 21 days of free unlimited access, helping students exercise their brains and bodies
- McHarper Manor – going live on Facebook daily Monday through Friday at 1pm Eastern Time, with free art & craft tutorials to create at home, supply lists posted weekly
- Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems – live Monday through Friday at 1pm Eastern Time
- COVID19 Camp: Free Resources to Educate and Entertain Your Kids During Quarantine
- ABC Mouse – 62% off
- Adventure Academy – 49% off annual membership, from the creators of ABC Mouse, online learning program for kids 8-13 years old
- Epic! Digital Library
- Outdoor Classrooms, Free 5 Day Nature Art Challenge
- Nat Geo for Kids – learn all about geography and fascinating animals!
- Into the Book – go “into the book” to play games that practice reading strategies
- Seussville – read, play games and hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friends
- ABC YA – practice math and reading skills while playing fun games!
- Fun Brain – play games while practicing math and reading skills
- PBS Kids – hang out with your favorite characters while learning
- Star Fall – practice your phonics skills with these read-along stories
- Highlight Kids – read, play games, and conduct cool science experiments
- Learn in Color – 75+ entertaining and educational indoor activities
- Smarty Symbols – offering access to families for free for one month (use promo code HOMEVISUALS at checkout); create activities, communication boards, and visual support
- Tips for Helping Your Child Learn at Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- PowerPoint Games for E-Learning
- Breezy Special Education – Distance / Home Learning Packets and Strategies for Special Education
- GoNoodle: Good Energy at Home – a free online resource for parents, caregivers, teachers, and kids that offers free movement, yoga, and mindfulness videos, downloadable curricular activities, and off-screen home activities, which span a variety of abilities, interests, ages, and subjects
- Tips for a Day at Home – Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program
- Massachusetts Council for Exceptional Children – enrichment resources for school closures
- “Preparing Yourself, Your Family and Your Home for Online Learning” – webinar from the National Down Syndrome Congress
- School Closure Toolkit Resources – Easterseals-Illinois Autism Partnership
Virtual tours, field trips
Social stories
- What to Expect During My COVID Vaccine
- Coronavirus Social Story
- My Coronavirus Story
- For teens/adults self-advocates – COVID-19 Information by and for people with disabilities
Practical Tips for Caregivers: e-Learning
- Supporting students with IEPs during e-learning days
- Practical solutions for educators – National Center on Accessible Educational Materials
Legal matters
- Ask a Special Education Attorney – Coronavirus school disruption: Is the school district still responsible to provide FAPE?
- Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA) – Statement of Student Rights Under IDEA During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- United States Department of Education – fact sheets
- Updated March 26, 2020 – Coronavirus/COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Schools and Districts Regarding Special Education
- Updated March 21, 2020 – Supplemental Fact Sheet – Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary, and Secondary School While Serving Children with Disabilities
- Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
- FERPA & Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak
- Breakdown: What does this mean for students with Down syndrome? – Moor, Perlmann, & Gregg
- Encouraging Changes: DESE Provides Updated Guidance to School Districts Regarding the Provision of FAPE During School Closures – Kotin, Crabtree, & Strong, LLP
- Covid-19 & Ds Resource Guide — (updated September 10, 2021)
- June 6 Hospital Visitation Update
- COVID-19 Disability Form – to help physicians provide you with proper medical treatment, in case you need to go to the hospital for COVID-19 related symptoms
- April 21 podcast – Right to equal medical treatment for people with Ds (with Heather Sachs and Dr. Vellody), Down Syndrome Center of Western PA
- April 14 webinar recording – No Discrimination in Health Care Rationing: Protecting the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities
- March 10 podcast – Coronavirus update (with Dr. Andrew Nowalk), Down Syndrome Center of Western PA
- Down Syndrome Clinics
- BCH Down Syndrome Program Advisory – Boston Children’s Hospital
- MGH Down Syndrome Program Advisory– MassGeneral Hospital
- MassHealth
- National Down Syndrome Organizations
- Q&A on COVID-19 and Down Syndrome (Expanded) (Abbreviated)
- National Down Syndrome Society Fact Sheet
- Global Down Syndrome Foundation Statement
- COVID-19 and Down Syndrome – LuMind IDSC
- Dementia + Alzheimer’s Disease
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers – includes staying healthy and tips for caregivers of individuals in assisted living
- Mental Health
- Social Story – Alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time
- Managing Coronavirus Anxiety
- Manage Anxiety & Stress: Stress and Coping – CDC
- Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- William James College Special Series, Managing Anxiety – 2-3 minute clips offering tips for caregivers on managing their own anxiety, and their child’s anxiety, during this stressful time.
- Complex Needs
- Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus – NPR
- Talking to Children About Covid-19 (Coronavirus) – National Association of School Psychologists
- 7 Ways to Support Kids and Teens Through the Coronavirus Pandemic – The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus – PBS Kids for Parents
- Covibook – A story to support and reassure children around the world, available in 17 languages
- July 14 TAKE ACTION: Accessory Dwelling Zoning Relief – “Accessory Dwelling”, also known as “In Law Suites”, can be an ideal housing arrangement for many of our families, often proving a stable, long-term living situation with equal parts independence and support. Local zoning laws have often been a barrier to families taking full advantage of this option.
- July 10 DDS Issues Phase 3 Guidance – As Massachusetts entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan on July 6, the state’s Department of Developmental Services has issued a series of guidance for families based on continued declines in new positive Covid-19 cases and across the state at DDS homes. In addition, DDS has issued revised Visitation Guidance.
- July 8 TAKE ACTION on 4th Covid Relief Package – MDSC is working alongside our national partners at National Down Syndrome Congress and National Down Syndrome Society to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are adequately addressed in the next Covid-19 relief package.
- June 15 MDSC has signed onto a letter by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities asking that dedicated Medicaid funding for Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) be included in the Congress’ next Covid relief package.
- June 15 NDSC leaders, law enforcement, and community members conduct an open discussion around the state of race relations in the world today, the longstanding history of racism that is pervasive in law enforcement, the justice system, healthcare, and education and other societal systems.Longtime MDSC member and leader of our Diversity Task Force, Roxanne Hoke-Chandler, co-recipient of the 2015 Allen C. Crocker Award of Excellence, was a panelist.
- June 9 – MDSC Statement on Inclusion and Race Relations
- April 17 – Hospital Visitation Policies for Persons with Disabilities, letter from Disability Law Center and Partners to MA Department of Public Health
- April 21 podcast – Right to equal medical treatment for people with Ds (with Heather Sachs and Dr. Vellody), Ds Center of Western PA
- Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus – NPR