Corona Virus Update
April 24, 2020
Securing PPE has been a problem across the country, and Massachusetts has been no exception. There have been a number of concerns the PCA’s do not have access to this important equipment. If you are receiving in-home services from a personal care attendant (PCA), independent nurse, or MFP waiver direct care worker and are diagnosed or presumed positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible to get a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves and face masks, delivered to your home to allow you to continue receiving services in the home and to keep your direct care worker safe. The following guidance provides information on who is eligible: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masshealth-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-applicants-and-members#members-
The self-isolation we are all practicing is necessary to stop the rise of COVID cases in Massachusetts, but the lack of external and social stimuli can be harmful to our mental health. Here are some great links tailored to the disability community that provides videos, books, and audio entertainment:
https://www.perkins.org/library
https://www.newtonathletesunlimited.org/calendar/
https://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/
The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) is conducting a confidential, real-time online assessment of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on healthcare and healthcare access among persons with a range of disabilities. We have developed the COVID-19 & Disability Survey to collect and analyze that data. We are asking our colleagues to share the survey broadly amongst your constituents. Please use this link (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-19-Disability) in your listservs, newsletters, social media platforms, and other print and electronic dissemination strategies to help reach the most people. The survey will be open from April 17th, 2020 to Ma
