Covid-19 Resources

Last updated May 25,  2021

Here are some resources we found helpful to families of children and young adults with disabilities.  If you have resources to share, please send them to spin@doh.hawaii.gov.   NEW! indicates that the resource was posted within the last five days).

COMMUNITY EVENTS/WEBINARS  RELATED TO COVID-19 

• NEW! May 28 – Parent Talk Café featuring Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes, “Dementia Basics and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease for persons with intellectual Disabilities, especially Down Syndrome” sponsored by the Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement of Hawaii (LDAH), 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
• NEW!  June 19 – Arriving at the Future – a workshop on transition journeys by Hawaii families and youth with tips to help other families plan for the future, sponsored by the Special Parent Information Network (SPIN), 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.  Please register by June 18th.  
• “Getting Ready for an IEP Meeting?” Small Group Zoom Sessions offered by the Hawaii Pacific Island Parent Training and Information Center with sessions available on Mondays and Thursdays.

SURVEYS INVITING PARENT INPUT (Optional)

SURVEYS INVITING STUDENT INPUT (Optional)

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Class of 2021 Graduation Celebrations Scheduled for Hawaii  Public Schools  posted  May 3, 2021  Summer Learning 2021, a 25-page booklet outlining five summer program options for all students, April, 2021
• Free Grab-and-Go Meals Program launching October 12 – December 18, posted October 1, 2020
• Vulnerable Student Definition and Identifier Memo dated September 18, 2020
• Updated frequently  Continuity of Education Page for Students and Parents
• Memo on Specially Designed Instruction and Distance Learning for Students with Disabilities dated September 1, 2020
• HIDOE extends Learn from Home distance learning through first quarter posted on August 27, 2020
• COVID-19 Weekly Reporting of Positive Cases by Complex Area
•  Digital Transformation for Learning Plan
•  Ohana Help Desk Portal– statewide technology support for public school students and their parents we they transition to more opportunities for online and blended learning.
• Statement from Supt. Christina Kishimoto on HSTA’s proposed legal action posted on August 13, 2020
• Neighbor Island schools announce distance learning models to start 2020-21 school year posted on August 11, 2020
• O’ahu public schools transition to distance learning for first four weeks of 2020-21 school year  posted August 7, 2020
•  Return to Learn:  School Reopening Plan Principal Handbook Version 2, July 29, 2020
• BOE approves August 17 start date for public school students announced on July 30, 2020
•  Extracurricular programming to resume Aug. 19 at HIDOE Schools posted on July 17, 2020
•  HIDOE Distance-Learning Survey Insights and Findings posted on July 13, 2020  
• Hawaii News Now Interview with Superintendent Kishimoto from July 6, 2020
•  HIDOE Online Bus Pass Application and Payment Option announced on July 6, 2020
• Return to Learn:  School Reopening Plan announced on July 2, 2020
• Return to Learn:  School Reopening Plan Health & Safety Handbook released on July 2, 2020
•  HIDOE Digital Transformation for Learning Plan 2020-21
• COVID-19 Update with Superintendent Kishimoto
•  Guidance for Reopening Schools – posted June 3, 2020
• Summer Food Service Student Meals – providing school breakfasts and lunches to children 18 or younger at selected sites from May 29-July 17   
• Summer School Plans and Supports for Students – announced on May 19th
• “HIDOE Guidance for Long-Term School Closures:  Graduation Promotion and Grading,” updated 4/30/20

OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

•  Summer 2021 Program Listing, complex by the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance
• Questions and Answers in Response to Inquiries Concerning the Implementation of IDEA in the Current COVID-19 Environment – September 28, 2020 – from the Office of Special Education Programs
• Back to School Decision-Making Tool offered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention July 23, 2020
• Updated Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released on July 24, 2020
•  DOE/DOH School Procedural Flowchart for Positive COVID-19 Cases
•  Question and Answer regarding Part B dispute resolution procedures in the COVID-19 environment – published by the Office of Special Education Programs on June 22, 2020
• Free BOOKSHARE membership for students with print disabilities (learning disabilities like dyslexia, vision disabilities and physical disabilities)
  
• Parent Tips for Virtual IEP’s developed by SPIN, LDAH and the HIDOE and adapted from an infographic from the Oklahoma Parents Center – 5/1/20
• Virtual IEP Meeting Tips from the Center for Parent Information & Resources and other programs funded by the Office of Special Education Program
• “Ohana Tips for Parents: Ways to Support At-Home Learning” from the Hawaii Statewide Family Engagement Center
• “Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak,” March 12, 2020 – from the Office of Special Education Programs
• “Fact Sheet:  Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students”, March 16, 2020 – from the Office for Civil Rights
• “Supplemental Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities” March 21, 2020 – from the Office for Civil Rights

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

•  Draft COVID-19 Vaccination Plan released October 16, 2020
• Updated Guidance for Schools on COVID-19 released October 19, 2020
• Guidance for Schools on COVID-19 released September 17, 2020
•  COVID-19 Online Dashboard
• Return to School Checklist
• UPDATED FREQUENTLY  Disease Outbreak Control Division
• Vaccines and Immunizations:  2020-2021 School Health Requirements Effective 7-1-20 – from the Disease Outbreak Control Division
• Developmental Disabilities Division Flyers on COVID-19:
  Teamwork Flyers 1 & 2
  5 Steps When Caring for a Person with I/DD in the Home
  5 Steps When Caring for a Person with COVID-19 in the Home
  Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
  Guidance for Direct Support Workers
  What to Do If You Are a Caregiver with COVID-19
• Accessing Case Manager Services Through the Developmental Disabilities Division

OTHER HEALTH RESOURCES  

•  COVID-19 Planning Considerations:  Guidance for School Re-entry (updated 6/25/20) by the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Patient Summary for a Person with Developmental Disability (Emergency Contacts, Abridged Medical History, Medication Regimen, Allergy Information, Assistance Needs) – a form developed by a Ohio agency serving people with developmental disabilities to be used in a COVID-19 health emergency
• “Coping with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak” from the World Health Organization
• “Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak” from healthychildren.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics
• “What’s New” – COVID-19  resources from Help Your Keiki (a website for Hawaii parents of children and youth with emotional and behavior challenges)

LEARNING RESOURCES FOR USE FROM HOME

• “Wide Open School” from Understood and Common Sense
• “Stuck at Home? 20 Learning Activities to Keep Kids Busy” – from Understood
• “Distance Learning:  8 Tips to Get Your Child Ready to Learn at Home” – from Understood
• “When School is Closed:  Resources to Keep Kids Learning at Home” – from Reading Rockets
• Tips for Families in Supporting Their Children with Disabilities in Virtual Formats from the Florida Inclusion Network

COMMUNITY RESOURCES/GOVERNMENT BENEFITS.

•  Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program (RRHAP) Application Packet
• Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program to provide assistance to renters at risk of eviction who have experienced or are facing a reduction in income related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
•  Afterschool and School Day Support Locations for Essential Workers compiled by the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance
•  H.E.L.P for Childcare Program –  a childcare tuition assistance program for Native Hawaiian/Native American/Alaska Native ‘Ohana (on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau and Hawai‘i Island only) with keiki birth to 12 years sponsored by Keiki O Ka ‘Āina
•  City and County of Honolulu COVID-19 Household Hardship Relief Fund (HHRF) Program – economic support to families who have suffered financially due to the COVID-19 closures
• Temporary Public Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Honolulu County
• Temporary Public Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Hawaii County
•   Temporary Public Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Maui County
•   Temporary Public Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Kauai County
• Hawaii COVID-19 Resources for Individuals with Disability Benefits – from Hire Abilities Hawai‘i
• Hawaii Children’s Action Network COVID-19 Resources (food, shelter, child care, screening sites, health, shelters)

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS TRACKING

• Hawaii Data Collaborative – a data dashboard that tracks COVID-19 in Hawaii

NATIONAL WEBSITES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – national tracking of COVID-19, symptoms, family preparation tips and community resources
• National Institutes of Health – COVID-19 links to news updates, resources
• Coronavirus(COVID-19).gov – messages jointly sponsored by the White House and the CDC
• “Flatten the Curve – COVID-19” – from Flattenthecurve.com

INFORMATION GEARED FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS

•  5 4 3 2 1 Grounding Technique by Coping Skills for Kids – a tool to reduce anxiety and be in the present moment
• The Story of the Oyster and the Pearl: Coronavirus and Me Picture Book by Ana M. Gomez
•  A Little Book About Coronavirus: To Help Our Keiki Understand Why Life Has Changed by Vibrant Hawaii and the Hawaii Public Health Initiative
• COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities – A booklet developed by Vermont self-advocates
• Just for Kids:  A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus – National Public Radio’s comic explaining the coronavirus to kids.

HOW TO STAY SAFE AT HOME

• “Kids and COVID-19 — What Parent Should Know” – from the Yale School of Medicine
• “How to Keep Your Kids Safe During Outdoor Play” – from Inspired Play
• “Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use at Home, at Play and Out and About” – from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

PARENTING RESOURCES   

• Getting “Unstuck:” Tips to help your child if they get stuck with their remote learning by the TIES Center
• “The Challenge of Distance Learning for Parents of Children with Special Needs”, PBS News Hour for April 29, 2020
• Low or no cost Telepsych consultations for adults through the Hawaii/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (Area Health Education Center) through the end of April
•  COVID-19 Time Capsule for Kids and Adults – A fun, tech-free activity to do to remember this crazy time
• “Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19” from the National Association of School Psychologists
• Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic from ChildTrends.org
• “Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource” – from the National Association of School Psychologists
• “Parenting During COVID-19” – from Psychology Today
• “How Should Parents Prepare for Coronavirus, School Closures, and Getting Anything Done?” – from Ednavigator.com

SPECIFIC DISABILITIES AND COVID-19

• Coronavirus and Students with Autism – TACA Now Blog with lots of great resources and suggestions
• Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Autism Team
• Concerns about COVID-19 and Epilepsy – Q & A by the Epilepsy Foundation
• COVID-19 Picture Communication Board   for Individuals with I/DD and ASD
• COVID-19 and Down Syndrome – by the National Down Syndrome Congress

LEGISLATION

• Resources for Hawaii During the Coronavirus Pandemic (CARES Act) – listed on Senator Brian Schatz web pages
• The Families First Coronavirus Response Act:  Summary of Key Provisions by the Kaiser Family Foundation