The Living Well grant (LW Grant), a 5-year grant funded by the Administration on Community Living (ACL), supports state partners in enhancing and assuring the well-being of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities living in the community by improving the quality of the services and supports provided by disability service providers (DSPs). During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the LW Grant was able to swiftly support the immediate needs of DSPs in relation to two projects. Updating the Medication Administration Training utilized by DSPs and home providers to gain necessary certifications has been an ongoing focus area of the LW Grant.
On March 17th, NH DHHS was tasked with the need to develop an online Medication Administration Training in response to social distancing requirements. Through the grant’s assistance and already developed training, within two days the training was available online. To date, over 125 people have participated in the training. Community Support Network Incorporated (CSNI), a LW Grant partner, in direct response to the stay-at-home order and social distancing requirements was granted a swift reallocation of LW grant project resources to support DSPs during the unprecedented current times. CSNI is partnering with Easter Seals NH to issue a weekly program activity resource guide of creative ideas and instructions for skill-building activities developed by a certified recreational therapist to support individual goals. This creative and valuable resource is available to all families and providers on the CSNI website. In the midst of social distancing and preventative measures in place due to COVID-19, the LW Grant is proud to continue pressing onward in providing support and collaboration with state partners to advocate and support the well-being of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities living in the community.
