The health and wellness of our staff, partners, and the individuals we serve is our number one priority. As this rapidly changing situation develops, we encourage you to check this page frequently for updates, important information, and resources. Please know that our staff and the IOD’s various grants and programs continue to operate and can be reached by email. Faculty and staff contact information can be found on our Faculty and Staff page. For general inquiries, please feel free to call 603-862-4320 or email contact.iod@unh.edu. You can also contact us through our website at iod.unh.edu/contact. We appreciate your patience as we adjust to new ways of advancing our mission of promoting full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all.
IOD Operations & Updates
Although our offices have reopened, many of our employees either continue to work remotely full-time or part-time. If you plan to visit any of our offices, please reach out in advance so that we can ensure someone will be available to greet you. If you are not feeling well, we ask that you please reschedule your visit for another time. Although masks and social distancing are no longer required in any campus buildings, both are recommended whenever possible. Please know that we take an abundance of caution to protect all associated with our organization from unnecessary risk and work to ensure we are doing the most we can to reduce further spread of the virus to our communities. Office ventilation systems have been reviewed and are considered adequate from a safety standpoint and routine cleaning and sanitization takes place regularly with a focus on high-touch surfaces. IOD Leadership will continue to assess the situation to establish policies, systems, and solutions that will allow the IOD to continue to operate while supporting the health and well-being of our community.
To mitigate the potential impact on the health and wellness of our community, many IOD events are being canceled, postponed, or held online. Please note that events may change as the disease spreads, so please regularly check our events calendar for event-specific updates.
Resources & Guidance
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) COVID-19 Resource Page
AUCD is a network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. View AUCD’s COVID-19 resource page to help federal, state, and local disability leaders advocate for disability inclusion in COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans. VISIT WEBSITE
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Website
CDC is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. View CDC’s official COVID-19 website to learn more about symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you think you may be infected. VISIT WEBSITE
Center for Start Services COVID-19 Resource Page
The Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability is a national initiative that works to strengthen efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs in the community. VISIT WEBSITE
ASAN COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet
COVID-19 changed the way we live. We do things differently to stay safe from COVID-19. We stay in our homes a lot. We have to wear masks when we go out. It can be harder to get the services we need. How will things get back to normal? The COVID-19 vaccine will help! Find out how with ASAN's COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheet, now available in two accessible versions. VISIT WEBSITE
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Resources
Access the most up to date information regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Hampshire. VISIT WEBSITE
This document, from the Administration for Community Living, offers examples and promising practices for states, municipalities, community-based partners, and anyone else working to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can get vaccinated for COVID-19.
This document, from the HHS Office for Civil Rights, provides guidance on federal legal standards prohibiting disability discrimination in COVID-19 vaccination programs
AT3 Center Blog
Assistive Technology news and resources for and from State and Territory Assistive Technology Programs and their community partners. VISIT WEBSITE
ATIA Learning Center
A user-friendly source of high-quality education, presented by leading AT professionals and designed for educators, consultants, and service professionals working at the local, state and national levels in government and private organizations. VISIT WEBSITE
Remote Learning Resources
CAST has remote learning resources that are designed to make remote learning universal, accessible, and inclusive. VISIT WEBSITE
Behavioral Health Guidelines from New Hampshire DHHS
Includes helpful information and resources for mental health and self-care, as well as information related to first responders, parents and caregivers, and people in recovery. VISIT WEBSITE
Center for Start Services COVID-19 Resource Page
The Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability is a national initiative that works to strengthen efficiencies and service outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs in the community. VISIT WEBSITE
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for Teachers, Students & Families
Teachers across the country are working hard to translate their effective practices to work in remote learning spaces. Students are learning how to connect with each other from a distance. Families are doing their best to navigate the new normal in their homes. The Center on PBIS has resources available to help guide the work you do around student behavior during these uncertain times. VISIT WEBSITE
Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources
The mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. Mental Health America has a range of resources and information to aid the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities during this time. VISIT WEBSITE
Worker Safety & Health Resources
NH Occupational Health Resources has resources for businesses and workers providing essential services to residents during COVID-19. VISIT WEBSITE
New England Regional Genetics Network COVID-19 Resources
Information for families and health care providers related to COVID-19 including, genetic clinics, telehealth guidance, policies, and funding information. VISIT WEBSITE
Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment
CDC’s optimization strategies for PPE offer options for use when PPE supplies are stressed, running low, or absent. They also offer a burn rate calculator to help providers plan and optimize available equipment. VISIT WEBSITE
Información de COVID-19 Por y Para Personas con Discapacidades
Información de COVID-19 Por y Para Personas con Discapacidades. VIEW PDF
Multilingual Resources for Schools
Information for schools and districts to ensure that ELLs and their families are included in all communications and plans. VISIT WEBSITE
Plain Language Information on COVID-19
Plain Language COVID-19 resource from the Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC). VIEW PDF
Talking Points
Allows teachers and individuals to interact with others through an app regardless of language. TalkingPoints is offering free access to education resources during this global crisis. VISIT WEBSITE
Talking to Kids About Coronavirus: ASL and English Resources
Videos, tools, brochures, and information about the Coronavirus in ASL from the American Society for Deaf Children. VISIT WEBSITE
CDC Guidance for People with Disabilities
Guidance for older adults and people with disabilities related to COVID-19 including useful tools to help navigate and plan, multilingual resources, and finding services. VISIT WEBSITE
The Arc
The Arc has resources to help people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and service providers during the COVID-19 global pandemic. VISIT WEBSITE
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Guidance for older adults and people with disabilities related to COVID-19 including useful tools to help navigate and plan, multilingual resources, and finding services. VISIT SITE
Talking with Children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children from the CDC. VISIT WEBSITE
Emergencies and National Disasters: Helping Children and Families Cope
NCPMI has resources to support families in helping young children cope with the challenges that might occur during stressful emergency or disaster situations. This website will be updated as we obtain more resources. VISIT WEBSITE
NDSC Down syndrome Programs & Resources
The National Sown Syndrom Congress (NDSC) has gathered and vetted many sources and resources to help families, and professionals who serve them support children with Down syndrome during COVID-19. Resources include fun activities, online learning, medical resources, and practical guides. VISIT WEBSITE
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) has curated resources to help teachers and families guide and support positive student behavior. VISIT WEBSITE
In an effort to improve COVID-19 vaccine access for older adults and people with disabilities in New Hampshire, the NH Developmental Disabilities (DD) partner organizations explored barriers to vaccine access and concerns about COVID-19 booster shots. Visit the COVID-19 VACCINE CONFIDENCE RESEARCH webpage to learn more.
Summary of Findings
People with Disabilities Surveyed
625
Vaccination Status:
- 76% Fully Vaccinated
- 1.4% Partially Vaccinated
- 22.6% Unknown
Top Concerns with Booster shot
- 79.5% Don’t trust it’s safe
- 52.9% Not effective
- 41.8% First dose was enough
Interest in Booster Shot
78% of vaccinated respondents said they would get a booster shot
Key Barriers to Accessing Vaccination
- Accessing the (VAMS) website
- Finding or getting to a location
- Confusion about eligibility, availability, and safety
