General Effective Communication
; attached is the Dept. of Justice guidance on how to ensure you are compliant with the law and communicating with the entire access and functional needs population. With this pandemic, effective communication is key. Municipalities need to be aware of what this entails, starting with the ASL Interpreter next to the speaker/podium and in view of the cameras. See the attached guidance. We have seen too many press conferences an ASL Interpreter was not present. This is a grave error and a violation of federal law.
With the request for people to stay at home, we have enacted a modified version of
shelter in place
.
This may call for neighbors and family to support and assist individuals with access and functional needs. For more information on what someone might need reference the Mid-America Regional Council
Your Very Personal Preparedness Inventory
guide.
Network of Supports
; Conscious of social distance and contact, elderly neighbors and those with disabilities and access and functional may need assistance with everyday functions (i.e. taking out the trash, household matters) to include shopping or obtaining food.
Transportation
; review your transportation MOUs and be prepared to address the possibility of pick up for those who may require adapted vehicles. This may come to play for those who have symptoms that call for a test or admission.
WHO are we talking about?
The majority of individuals who do not have immediate access to transportation or are hesitant to use public or other means of it, individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, and seniors.
USE your
Core Advisory Group
to assist in both outreach and communication. It cannot be assumed that everyone is receiving their information directly from the media. The individuals in your CAGs that represent disability communities should play a role in identifying individuals and extending communication through their networks.
NYS ASL Interpreters
;
you should have an identified agency well before this correspondence. Below is a link to agencies that provide this service in NYS. Please note this maybe dated. Your
Independent Living Center
can also assist in identifying a registered ASL interpreter and with other need areas identified in this correspondence.
Attached below
is the media guidance, General Effective Communication ADA guidance, COVID-19 Information By and for People with Disabilities, Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19, NYS ASL Interpreters listing and Your Very Personal Preparedness Inventory .
