At the Institute on Disability, we’re working to do our part to ensure the safety, well-being, and health of the communities in which we operate by providing technology, tips and resources for individuals with disabilities, their families, and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How We’re Helping:
Online Training
The Center for START Services supports a network of START programs, teams, and communities across the United States. To help build capacity to improve the lives of persons with IDD and behavioral health needs and their families during the evolving pandemic, START built a robust catalog of COVID-19 resources and evidence-informed virtual trainings. Their most recent training, co-sponsored with the AUCD MH/IDD, is called "the Science of Hope in a Time of Crisis with Dan Tomasulo." The presentation offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of hope and offers practical strategies for how to increase your hopefulness. The webinar was recorded and is now available on their website.
Supporting Parents & Teachers How To Navigate Distance Learning
The challenges of distance learning are real—from easily distracted kiddos, to combating internet woes, to finding accessible curriculum. To respond to these evolving educational hurdles, the Institute on Disability RENEW team has put together useful remote learning resources for educators and families. Resources include social-emotional skill-building tools, trauma-informed practices, educational activities, and more.
Fabricated PPE
Around the world, Coronovirus has caused a considerable shortage of PPE essential for medical professionals and people with disabilities. To combat the shortage, master maker and Director of ATinNH at the Institute on Disability, Therese Willkomm, Ph.D., developed a fabricated face shield using simple, easy-to-find, low-cost materials that takes less than a minute to make! Watch her tutorial.
Keeping Workers Safe
As we are all adjusting to the “new normal” of social distancing and staying home, many workers continue to go to work to provide essential services to the residents of New Hampshire. While information is always changing, the NHOHSP has curated a list of basic resources for businesses and workers to stay safe in the midst of a pandemic.
Creating Opportunities to Connect
In response to the increasing need for personal connection, Dan Habib, Inclusive Communities Project Director and Filmmaker held free live screenings of his films Including Samuel and Who Cares About Kelsey. Each webinar featured a live chat and special post-viewing reunion and discussion with the film's stars. These events have attracted over 1,300 viewers from across the nation! Habib’s next webinar INTELLIGENT LIVES, An Online Reunion & Screening Event, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET on June 10, will feature his latest film INTELLIGENT LIVES and special guests Chris Cooper and Marianne Leone Cooper, Micah and Emma Fialka-Feldman, Patricia Lampron, Naomie and Steve Monplaisir, and Naieer Shaheed.
Accelerated Reporting
We are living in exceptional circumstances, which is why -in addition to their regular monthly employment update- the IOD’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center team hosted a special mid-month nTIDE to take a closer look at the implications of COVID-19 on employment during their special nTIDE Lunch & Learn: The implications of COVID-19. Watch a recording of the webinar and download the slides at researchondisability.org/home/ntide.
