COFAR blog

As the conoravirus pandemic grips our nation and so many other countries around the world, we are joining with other advocacy groups in urging policy makers and elected officials to be mindful of the especially devastating impact this illness can have on persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD).

We are trying to do our part in making the public aware that because so many people with I/DD have underlying medical conditions, they are likely to be among the groups with the highest rates of mortality from the COVID-19 virus.

New COFAR coronavirus information page and recommendations on testing and visitation 

Today, we launched a new coronavirus information page on our website at www.cofar.org that is intended as a resource for families seeking information about the coronavirus and how to advocate for and protect their loved ones in the care of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).  You can link directly to the page here.

One of our main recommendations on the new page so far is that if a resident, or staff member caring for a resident, tests positive or is exposed to the coronavirus, family members and guardians should be informed immediately.

We are also concerned that DDS and at least some residential providers may not be implementing uniform policies on visitation of loved ones and testing of healthcare workers in group homes and other residential settings.

We are recommending that all DDS residential facilities adopt the state Public Health Department’s policy regarding access by healthcare workers to nursing homes. Those facilities must confirm that the healthcare worker does not have a fever by taking each worker’s temperature upon arrival for each shift.  The healthcare worker’s temperature must be 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in order to enter the facility and provide care.

We are also recommending that consideration be given to visits by family and guardians and that they be subject to the same restrictions as those placed on staff. In general, we recommend that visits be relegated to outdoor areas (weather permitting), after hand-washing and maintaining at least a 6-foot social distance between people.

Federal legislation on coronavirus needs to take people with I/DD into account

We are also joining other advocacy organizations in noting that while Congress has so far passed two major coronavirus-related relief bills, more help is needed to support people with disabilities and their families.

We are urging our members to call or email their congressmen/women and senators and ask them to support increased federal funding for coronavirus-related relief programs for persons with developmental disabilities.

Congress has so far passed two major coronavirus bills, but more help is needed to support people with disabilities and their families. The most recent legislation enacted is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes:

• A 6.2% increase in federal reimbursement for state Medicaid programs (FMAP), which will help state governments in their efforts to combat the pandemic
• $250 million in additional funding for food programs, including home delivery food programs, for the elderly and disabled
• Waivers to some requirements for school lunch programs
• Waivers to work requirements to be eligible for SNAP food programs
• New, temporary requirements that employers with more than 20 employees offer some paid sick leave time to their employees
• Extensions to, and additional funds for, unemployment benefits
• Free COVID-19 testing without co-pays or deductibles

But the legislation does not include funding for caretakers for adults with disabilities or seniors whose programs have closed or whose workers are sick.

A major stimulus package was still pending today (March 20) in Congress that will reportedly provide cash payments directly to most Americans. There are many questions, however, about what that legislation will include. We want to make sure the pending legislation covers additional money for caretakers of adults with disabilities whose programs have closed or whose workers are sick.

We are also requesting that people ask members of Congress to support increased asset limits for people with I/DD receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicaid. Because of those asset limits, people with I/DD may end up with too much money in the bank, jeopardizing their SSI and/or Medicaid benefits.

You can find your elected representatives here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.

You can also send questions or concerns to us by emailing either Colleen Lutkevich at collen.lutkevich@cofar.org, Thomas J. Frain, Esq. at tjf@frainlaw.com, or David Kassel at davidskassel@gmail.com. We will forward your concerns to DDS.