Due to COVID-19, AdvocacyDenver office will be closed to outside visitors until further notice. Our staff will be working in the office and/or remotely and will be able to participate in meetings virtually. We recognize that there is still important work to do, and we’re striving to perform those vital services while helping stop the community spread of COVID 19.
If you are currently working with an advocate, rest assured that they will still be able to continue to provide advocacy services. If you are in need of advocacy services and are not currently working with an advocate, please fill out our on-line advocacy form at: https://www.advocacydenver.org/our-programs/make-a-referral/
We have several events scheduled that we will approach on a case-by-case basis. We continue to provide and record webinars that are available at: https://www.advocacydenver.org/category/webinar
We have below some additional information and resources for families. Please note this is a rapidly changing situation. You can check back to find updates. Please note the list below is for informational purposes only as AdvocacyDenver does not endorse any of the following companies or services:
COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities: Table of Contents
- Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities During the Pandemic
- Decision Making Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Information about Schools and Day Programs
- Statewide Information and Resources
- Denver County-Specific Information and Resources
- Using Zoom for Video Conferencing
Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities During the Pandemic
This handbook was developed by the Colorado chapters of The Arc (AdvocacyDenver is the Denver chapter), Disability Law Colorado and the Native American Disability Law Center. It provides general information and steps you can take to preserve your child’s rights regardless of where they are being educated. In addition, it includes checklists, sample letters as tools when you work with your child’s school or district.
Download the Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities During the Pandemic Handbook in English
Descarga el manual “Derechos Educativos de Los Niños con Discapacidad Durante La Pandemia” en Español
Colorado Crisis Standards of Care
Treatment of COVID-19 has been a challenge for Colorado’s health care system. Fortunately, there are currently no state-wide shortages of medical care, equipment, or facilities in Colorado and everyone who needs medical care can get it.
In the event that there was a shortage, the state of Colorado has created a plan for who gets medical care first. This plan is called the Crisis Standards of Care, and will only take place if many people become sick and need to go to the hospital and if there is not enough medicine for everyone. So far this has not happened and current trends do not suggest that it will happen. However, it is still a good idea to be informed about the Crisis Standards of Care and how it might affect you.
Read the guide to the Colorado Crisis Standards of Care in English
Lea la guía de los Estándares de atención de crisis de Colorado en español
Useful Tips for First Responders Aiding with People with Disabilities During COVID-19
Many of us, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are feeling anxiety in this time. For people with disabilities, this anxiety is heightened by underlying health conditions that might make them more vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19 and due to the widespread media coverage over the possible rationing of medical care to persons with disabilities.
For some with I/DD, interaction with authority figures can provide an added level of stress, even under normal circumstances. This guide is meant to provide some basic help for assisting persons with I/DD during this time.
Read COVID Tips for First Responders in English
Decision Making Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
This page has a section of links to information about the vaccine itself which can be easily accessed by clicking on the hyperlinks in this article. Though AdvocacyDenver cannot provide you with a definitive answer to the question, we can provide you with the tools you need to make the best decision possible for yourself or the person in your life with a disability. Read More…
Information about Schools and Day Programs
Denver Public Schools Listening Session for Parents of Children with Disabilities
The Denver Public Schools held a Listening Session for parents of children with disabilities on Wednesday August 12 at 5 p.m. The listening session offered District leaders an opportunity to outline plans, but more importantly providid parents an opportunity to ask questions and for District leadership to respond. View a recording of the listening session here.
Should my Child or Client Return to School or their Day Program?
Even though some schools and day programs are re-opening, parents and care givers may not be sure whether their children or clients should return. AdvocacyDenver has put together some checklists to help parents and care givers make that decision.
The following checklist serves as a tool when considering whether or not your child should return to in-school program or continue to participate in remote learning:
The following checklists serve as tools when considering whether your adult child or client should transition back to Day program and/or other options for providing meaningful daytime activities:
- Day Program Re-Entry Checklist
- Considerations for Day-Program Return
- The Arc in Colorado’s Person Centered Plan for Re-Entry Into Day Programs
Statewide Information and Resources
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
Colorado Department of Labor discusses the options if your employer is closing or your work hours are reduced: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/information-and-resources-coronavirus
The Department of Health Care, Policy, and Financing (HCPF) about COVID-19, including guidance for Host Home Providers, Day Programs, etc. https://covid19.colorado.gov/
Housing and Shelter resources: https://www.211colorado.org/housing-and-shelter/
Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/
Xcel Energy: https://www.xcelenergy.com/covid-19_response
Denver County-Specific Information and Resources
Denver Public Health COVID-19 Information and Case Data: http://www.denverpublichealth.org/clinics-services/infectious-disease-clinic/coronavirus-disease-2019
Updates from the Denver Public Schools including options to obtain food: https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/#familyresources
Rocky Mountain Human Services Mill Levy – provides gap funding for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities birth through life: https://www.rmhumanservices.org/ml
Denver Human Services: https://www.denvergov.org/humanservices
Denver Parks and Recreation @ Home provides free online programming with diverse options for all ages and abilities to enjoy. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Denver-Parks-and-Recreation-at-Home.html?soid=1101784674537&aid=lndXwDPGwXU
Using Zoom for Video Conferences
Join a Zoom Meeting from Email: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZUpMsuDu9EH-aQFvpmu15OwXAdDDOeG/view?usp=sharing
Set Up Sound and Video in Zoom Meeting: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DNlXbXJ3ZTv4_WBII3syizqhyH4_lUZG/view?usp=sharing
Zoom Meeting Controls: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B3ItsW4nqMpKjBG1-826Lo6Up_dHV6cE/view?usp=sharing
Video Meeting Social Rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/127_ON4-cgvPGe8x0x-d7pGhpPY4NkpAr/view?usp=sharing