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Members & Families

COVID-19 & Flu Resources

Care Coordination Organizations/Health Homes (CCOs/HHs) are committed to the delivery of high-quality comprehensive care coordination.  Care Design NY has developed a strong framework for escalating our involvement to support individuals and families during this COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis.  We are working in collaboration with OPWDD providers, medical providers, mental health providers and community resources, to ensure all members receive needed supports, services and resources necessary to maintain health and well-being. 

Risk level assessment and the support/service needed are an essential component of comprehensive care coordination. Your Care Manager will screen for risk factors and coordinate supports and services. We have created protocols and tools for our Care Managers to follow during this rapidly changing COVID-19 health crisis to ensure you are receiving the care and support you need.  

We are also identifying those in the community who are the most vulnerable because they live alone and do not have natural supports, their care givers are elderly, they are homeless, there is a temporary disruption in supports, such as home aides, medical needs, such as oxygen, food deliveries, etc. 

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance
COVID-19 Information BY AND FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
NEW NYS COVID-19 Data Center
Flu Resource Corner

Recent Announcements & Updates

Important COVID-19 Omicron Variant And Booster Information

12.22.21 - The COVID-19 Omicron variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has rapidly become the common strain of the virus. Early data indicates that Omicron is more contagious and spreads more quickly than the highly transmissible Delta variant.

Recent data shows that a booster shot, an additional vaccine dose for those that have been vaccinated,  increases the immune response to Covid 19. With an increased immune response, people have improved protection against getting infected with COVID-19, including the Omicron variant.

Read more

CDC Announces Updated Vaccine Booster Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York State Department of Health have recommended that individuals who have completed their FDA approved vaccine series get boosted. 

Read more

Governor Hochul Announces Mask Requirements

12.10.21 - Governor Kathy Hochul announced masks are now required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. This action is to address the rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide and is in  alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission.

Read more

Virtual Member & Family

COVID-19 Update Sessions

We are committed to hosting frequent updates with members and their families via online meetings. Please consult this webpage for scheduled meetings and/or sign-up for email updates.

Online meeting: an opportunity for members and families to receive updates and ask questions.

Member Feedback
How to Join a Teams Meeting
Past COVID-19 Meeting Recordings
Updated SNAP Standards

Sign up for COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 SOS Information for Individuals & Families

In response to COVID-19, Care Design NY developed a centralized list of emergency resources for individuals, families and providers to assist individuals who have been impacted by the pandemic. The COVID-19 Emergency Resource Search Tool, known as COVID-19 SOS, offers an easy and efficient way to find needed resources such as food, housing and mental health supports for individuals during this uncertain time. Below are a list of questions and answers to better explain COVID-19 SOS. For questions about COVID-19 SOS, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

COVID-19 Emergency Resource Search

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions & Information Resources

The COVID-19 public health crisis is rapidly changing. This information represents the most up to date information we had at the time of publishing. We will update as new information becomes available.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Resources

NYS DOH and OPWDD Guidance | Health Alerts

Sign-up for OPWDD News Alerts

To see all guidance previously released, please click here.

Care Coordination Organization/Health Home Communication

Accessing Community Habilitation & Respite on School Days

COVID-19 Resources:

Care Design NY Guidance: “K” Amendment
Q&A on COVID-19 and Down Syndrome
Medicaid Eligibility During COVID-19 Crisis
Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Getting Tested for COVID-19 Social Story
Georgia Tech COVID-19 Accessible Resources
COVID-19 Fact Sheets Page
Guidance for Extended Home Visits
Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource
DIY Cloth Face Mask Instructions
Guidance for Wearing a Face Mask
How Do I Get Tested for COVID-19?
Pandemic Helpline Launches For People with I/DD

Post COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Individuals and Families

The collective community of the I/DD care delivery system is working through an unprecedented COVID-19 public health emergency. As restrictions begin to lift, Care Design NY has worked with members and families to develop a guidance document to inform the New York State I/DD community on what is critical from their perspective in reopening services and programs.

There are three documents that you can access in the buttons below: a narrative and easy-to-read reopening documents with a checklist of considerations and questions to guide conversations with providers and/or Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) as services begin to re-open.

Reopening Narrative Document
Easy Read Document
Return to I/DD Services Checklist
COVID-19 Safety Plan for Certified Day Program Reopening
SANYS Home Visit Guidance
SANYS Day Programs Guidance
SANYS Community Outings Guidance

Important Documents for Hospitalization

While we hope that you will not need the hospitalization documents, we want you to be prepared prior to seeking medical attention and ensure proper communication protocol is followed for a patient with IDD on his/her needs and wishes. Please use the buttons below to view/download: (1) a fillable disability form for you to complete and keep with your important papers should you have to go to the Emergency Room or hospital (2) the NYS Department of Health hospital guidance permitting a support person for a patient with I/DD to be at their bedside. (3 & 4) a script and other important important information that our friends at SANYS prepared.

COVID-19 Disability Form
DOH Hospitalization Guidance
Spanish | DOH Hospitalization Guidance
Spanish | Help with Hospitalization
Hospitalization Script/Important Information
Spanish | Hospitalization Script/Important Information
Help for going to the hospital summary
Spanish | Help for going to the hospital summary
Request OPWDD IDD/ID Card

Resources for Specific Regions

NYC: Learning Bridges Program

The Learning Bridges program provides free child care options for children from 3-K through 8th grades on days when they are scheduled for remote learning. 

The Learning Bridges programs will:

  • Be operated by community-based organizations and other partners
  • Provide opportunities for children to connect to their remote learning activities
  • Include time for art, recreation, and other age-appropriate activities
  • Follow the same rigorous health and safety precautions as schools

You can complete the online application and call 311 if you need assistance.

Educational Advocacy and Programs
NYC Health 2021 Health Advisory #2
NYC Health Congregate Settings Guidance
NYC Health PMIS Pediatric Symptoms
NYC Health Testing FAQ

Brooklyn

The Campaign Against Hunger

2010 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11233

Open: Mon and Th 10-3pm 

Tue, Wed and Fri 10-6pm

Families can also order online for free delivery depending on the distance, for this, they have to call at 718-773-3551 and speak with the operator to request a shopper ID #.

The New York Times: Parents & schools are struggling to care for kids with special needs

Coronavirus has meant rethinking education as we know it, and it’s OK to take it slow.

View full article