DDS Coronavirus Guidance for
​In-Home Caregivers


​This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is working closely with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide updated information about the COVID-19 outbreak. This guidance will be updated as needed and as additional information is available. Please regularly check mass.gov/2019coronavirus for updated interim guidance. ​
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                             Latest  Updates

a few important notes about expectations for the fall from Arc of MA with DESE on special education and the reopening of schools: 
​

  • Every district must submit 3 plans to DESE by 7/31: full in-person, full remote, and hybrid (some in person and some remote). Individual School Committees will select which plan their district will begin the school year with in August. If there is another surge in COVID rates, the state has the right to order all schools to switch to remote only.  
  • All families have the right to choose remote learning
  • Schools are to prioritize in-person services for students with disabilities (especially those designated “high need”, pre-school aged children, English Language Learners, Homeless students, Students in foster or congregate care
  • FAPE will apply in the fall. This means all IEP services must be provided, unlike in the spring when many were waived.
  • Education/Related services should be provided via Instruction and Services (structured lessons, teletherapy, video-based lessons, etc.) and NOT via Supports and Resources (packets, assignments, etc.)
  • Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): DESE is recommending that districts consider using “remote” services while in the school building to limit person-to-person interactions and maximize social distancing
  • Engaging with families is key: Schools and districts will be looking for updates on student progress/regression. Families can start writing up statements about their child’s status now. Schools need to keep families updated and informed about decisions in the building and classrooms
  • IEP Meetings and Services: TEAM meetings are to be held annually; Can be in-person or remote. All IEPs are to be written assuming the student will be in-person at school. Any changes to the delivery of the services (remote or hybrid) must be provided in writing to the parent
  • Guidance on reopening guidelines, special education, transportation, FAQ’s, can be found on the DESE Covid page http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/sped.html
  • Guidance on compensatory services for Special Education services not provided during school closure is expected within the next week.
 DDS central/west region Created a new online calendar where families can see all of the online events that are being offered  in Center and Western MA. 

On Demand Webinars
​The Arc of Massachusetts offered three webinars on topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 series can be found here. Other webinars unrelated to the COVID-19 series can be found here.  
MCPAP for Autism and Interllectral Disablilities is a recently established program which offers support ot Emergency Services Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention. Join the presentation on September 24 at 10:00 am -11:00 am 
 https://umassmed.zoom.us/j/98707814083?pwd=TlVTSyt1cFdLVjNXM3A0aWpISkxqQT09
Password: 900729

Service and resources in Local Areas
Safer-At-Home Booklet by DDS

Family Emergency Planning Outreach
Emergency preparedness Worksheet

COVID-19 Form for people with disablilities when need to go the hospital

New state resource “We all need help sometimes”:
 https://www.mass.gov/lists/we-all-need-help-sometimes

Community Services and Resources during Covid-19 

DESE Special Ed Guidance for school districts 5-1-2020

Food stamps/SNAP benefits 
​Change due to Covid-19

Is a therapy dog right for your child with Autism?
A complete guide from  dogdigz.com/therapy-dog-autism/  
 

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