COVID-19 Public Health Emergency UPDATE

If you are experiencing disability-related accessibility barriers, please call Disability Rights Connecticut at 800-842-7303 or email info@DisRightsCT.org.

Si enfrenta obstáculos relacionados con la accesibilidad a causa de una discapacidad, llame a Disability Rights Connecticut al 800-842-7303 o envíe un correo electrónico a info@DisRightsCT.org

HUSKY - Medicaid Update

THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS EXTENDED, BUT AUTOMATIC RE-ENROLLMENT IN HUSKY ENDS ON MARCH 31 – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW


The federally declared COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) was extended, one final time until May 11, 2023. This means that several protections in the way of access to testing and treatment for COVID-19 will continue. 

BUT Congress changed one protection at the end of 2022 when it passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA).  Before the passage of the CAA, most Medicaid enrollees were required by federal law to be kept on their Medicaid benefits during the PHE, even if they did not complete annual renewal paperwork or they were determined to be no longer eligible based on what they submitted.

Now, under the CAA, starting on April 1, 2023, benefits for individuals kept on Medicaid for one of these reasons will stop unless they timely respond to reviews for coverage from the Department of Social Services (DSS), which will begin shortly.

If you receive paperwork from DSS, including requests for additional information, you must respond in the time period provided. DSS will then decide whether you are still eligible, or eligible for another Medicaid program, or not eligible any longer.  It is very important that you timely respond or, if you have moved, contact DSS now with your new address information.

If you have been kept on Medicaid because of these federal law protections which have now changed, you will keep your benefits while DSS completes the reviews, which will take about a year to complete since DSS is doing these reviews in sets. 

If you receive a written a “notice of termination” you have a right to appeal that decision and, while you appeal, you will continue to receive your full benefits. So, it is important to appeal if there is any chance DSS made a mistake.

Remember: The protections you had from termination of Medicaid/HUSKY benefits under the public health emergency for not responding to DSS requests for information will no longer exist after April 1, 2023.   

Questions? Please contact Sheldon Toubman, DRCT’s Litigation Attorney, at 475-345-3169 or sheldon.toubman@disrightsct.org”  

HUSKY - Actualización de Medicaid

LA EMERGENCIA DE SALUD PÚBLICA SE EXTIENDE, PERO LA REINSCRIPCIÓN AUTOMÁTICA EN HUSKY FINALIZA EL 31 DE MARZO: LO QUE DEBE SABER


La Emergencia de Salud Pública por COVID-19 declarada por el gobierno federal acaba de extenderse nuevamente hasta el 11 de mayo de 2023. Esto significa que continuarán varias protecciones en el acceso a las pruebas y el tratamiento para COVID-19.

PERO el Congreso cambió una protección a fines de 2022 cuando aprobó la Ley de Asignaciones Consolidadas (CAA).  Antes de la aprobación de la CAA, la mayoría de los afiliados a Medicaid estaban obligados por ley federal a mantener sus beneficios de Medicaid durante la Emergencia de Salud Pública, incluso si no completaban el papeleo de renovación anual o se determinaba que ya no eran elegibles según lo que presentaron.

Ahora, bajo la CAA, a partir del 1 de abril de 2023, los beneficios para las personas que permanecen en Medicaid por una de estas razones se detendrán a menos que respondan a tiempo a las revisiones de cobertura del Departamento de Servicios Sociales (DSS), que comenzarán pronto.

Si recibe documentación de DSS, que incluyen las solicitudes de información adicional, debe responder en el período de tiempo provisto. DSS decidirá si usted todavía es elegible, o elegible para otro programa de Medicaid, o si ya no es elegible.  Es muy importante que responda a tiempo o, si se ha mudado, comuníquese con DSS ahora con su nueva información de dirección.

Si se le ha mantenido en Medicaid debido a estas protecciones de la ley federal que ahora han cambiado, conservará sus beneficios mientras DSS completa las revisiones, que tardarán aproximadamente un año en completarse ya que DSS está haciendo estas revisiones en conjuntos. 

Si recibe un "aviso de terminación" por escrito, tiene derecho a apelar esa decisión y, mientras apela, continuará recibiendo sus beneficios completos. Por lo tanto, es importante apelar si existe alguna posibilidad de que DSS haya cometido un error.

Recuerde: Las protecciones que tenía contra la terminación de los beneficios de Medicaid / HUSKY bajo la emergencia de salud pública por no responder a las solicitudes de información del DSS ya no existirán después del 1 de abril de 2023.  

¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con Sheldon Toubman, abogado litigante de DRCT, al 475-345-3169 o sheldon.toubman@disrightsct.org”

Booster Shot

The CDC approved booster shots for Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. You are not required to show documentation regarding your pre-existing medical conditions.

For people who have already received 2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer shot, you are eligible for a booster shot if:

  • You are 16 or older

  • Or if you are 18 or older and one or more of the following apply:

  • Work in a high-risk environment (such as a hospital or healthcare facility)

  • Are in a long-term care facility (such as a nursing home)

  • Have certain underlying medical conditions (such as cancer)

  • AND it has been at least 6 months since you received your second dose of Moderna or Pfizer

For people who have already received the Johnson & Johnson shot, you are eligible for a booster shot if:

  • It has been at least 2 months since you received the J&J vaccine

  • You then are eligible for a booster dose of any of the following COVID-19 vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson

If you would like to receive the booster shot:

Vaccines for Children.

Kids ages 5 to 11 can now receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which has been proven safe and effective in protecting them from infection and illness from the virus. https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/kids?language=en_US

If you are homebound due to any medical conditions and would like the booster shot:

If you would like to retrieve your immunization record:

If you would like to receive the vaccination and/or booster shot:

Free, At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Tests Delivered to Your Door
Individuals are able to order free, at-home COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering.

Obtenga pruebas caseras gratuitas de COVID-⁠19 https://www.covidtests.gov/es/ (Spanish)

Those without internet access and those needing assistance may order by calling 1-800-232-0233.

The Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) is an additional resource, connecting people with disabilities to COVID-19 vaccination and testing in their communities.

DIAL support can be reached by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@USAgingandDisability.org

  • Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can reach DIAL using the 711/Video Relay Service (VRS). To use this free service, simply dial 711 to be connected via text with a communications assistant.

  • For people who do not communicate through speech, sign language, or VRS, email is the best option to communicate with DIAL.

  • Older adults can call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 Monday-Friday or visit the website to chat live or browse resources.

If you are experiencing disability-related accessibility barriers, please call Disability Rights Connecticut at 800-842-7303 or email info@DisRightsCT.org.

Actualizaciones sobre COVID-19

¡Protéjase, reciba su refuerzo!

Los CDC aprobaron la vacunación y el refuerzo para Moderna, Johnson & Johnson y Pfizer. No tiene la obligación de mostrar documentación sobre afecciones médicas preexistentes.

Si enfrenta obstáculos relacionados con accesibilidad a causa de una discapacidad, llame a Disability Rights Connecticut al 800-842-7303 o envíe un correo electrónico a info@DisRightsCT.org

Si quiere recibir la vacuna o el refuerzo:

Pruebas rápidas gratuitas de COVID-19 para realizar el hogar entregadas en su puerta
Las personas pueden pedir pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 para realizar en el hogar en COVIDTests.gov. Las pruebas generalmente se envían en un plazo de 7 a 12 días desde que se realiza el pedido.

Aquellas personas sin acceso a Internet y quienes requieran asistencia pueden realizar el pedido llamando al 1-800-232-0233.

La Línea de asistencia e información para personas con discapacidades (DIAL) es un recurso adicional que conecta a las personas con discapacidades con actividades de vacunación y prueba de COVID-19 en sus comunidades.

Puede acceder a asistencia de DIAL llamando al 888-677-1199 o enviando un correo electrónico a DIAL@USAgingandDisability.org

  • Las personas sordas o con dificultad auditiva pueden comunicarse con DIAL al 711/Servicio de retransmisión de video (VRS). Para usar este servicio gratuito, simplemente marque 711 para comunicarse mediante un mensaje de texto con un asistente en comunicación.

  • Para las personas que no se comunican mediante el habla, lenguaje de señas o VRS, el correo electrónico es la mejor opción para contactarse con DIAL.

  • Los adultos mayores pueden llamar a Eldercare Locator al 800-677-1116 de lunes a viernes o visitar el sitio web para chatear en vivo o explorar recursos.

Si enfrenta obstáculos relacionados con la accesibilidad a causa de una discapacidad, llame a Disability Rights Connecticut al 800-842-7303 o envíe un correo electrónico a info@DisRightsCT.org

Haga clic aquí para recibir más información sobre anuncios relacionados con la COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Accommodation

People with disabilities can get needed reasonable accommodations/ modifications to get the COVID-19 vaccines and/or obtain information about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. We explain who can request a reasonable accommodation/modification, examples of reasonable accommodations and modifications, how to request them, and what to do if your request is denied.

Q) Who is eligible for a reasonable accommodation/modification in order to have access to the COVID-19 Vaccine?

A)  Under disability rights laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and Connecticut state law, individuals with disabilities can get needed reasonable accommodations/ modifications of programs, activities, and services from state and local governments and certain private entities like a hospital or clinic.

Q) Who is eligible for a reasonable accommodation/modification in order to have access to the COVID-19 Vaccine?

A)  You can request reasonable accommodations and/or modifications that are individualized to meet your specific needs.  Some examples, include, but are not limited to:

  • Extra persons to assist (such as trained PMT personnel)

  • Extra time before and after the appointment

  • Ample space for those using assistive devices

  • Have a family member or support person assist me

  • Sensory free environment

  • Interpreter such as American Sign Language

  • An in-home vaccination

  • Medical transportation to and from a vaccination site

  • Modifications in policies and procedures to obtain the vaccine

  • Bringing a service animal to a vaccination site

  • Information should be provided in a variety of accessible formats, such as American Sign Language, braille, and easy-to-read materials with large text and pictures or visual cues.

Vaccination locations must also be accessible to people with disabilities consistent with disability rights statutes such as the ADA, Section 504, and Connecticut state law. For example, accessible parking spaces, ramps, and handrails should be available at the vaccination clinic.  Service animals must be allowed in the clinic and remain with their handlers.

How do I request an accommodation in Connecticut?

  1. Call your Local Health Department directly. Use this link to look up your Local Health Administration https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Local-Health-Admin/LHA/Local-Health-Administration---Site-Map

  2. Explain to the health department you need to get a COVID vaccine and you need assistance. You will have to explain what type of assistance you need.

  3. If you do not get a call back or they tell you they cannot accommodate your needs, please call Disability Rights Connecticut to request assistance at (860) 297-4300 (voice) or (800) 842-7303 (toll-free CT) or (860) 509-4992 (videophone).

Your Right to Medical Treatment During COVID:

People with disabilities have the same right to medical care and treatment as everyone else during an emergency.

People with disabilities should not be denied medical care on the basis of stereotypes or assessments of quality of life or judgments about a person’s relative “worth.”

Decisions by doctors and hospital staff about whether to treat should be based on individualized assessments of the patient using the best available objective medical evidence.

If you have to go to the hospital – be prepared!  Think about how you or your family member will communicate with medical staff.  Here are some things people with disabilities are doing:

  • Write on your body with permanent marker: “I Want Life Saving Treatment.”

  • Complete an accommodations request form to bring with you to the hospital.  Show the form to everyone and make sure a copy is put in your medical chart.

  • Insist your communication devise (phone, iPad, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) system) remains with you and is charged.

  • Give permission (verbally or pre-written) for medical staff to communicate with family members or friends who help you make decisions.

If you are denied medical treatment because of your disability you can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Go to: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints.

Or you can call the OCR toll-free phone line at (1-800–368–1019), (TTY: 1-800-537-7697) for further information.

Please contact Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) to learn more about your rights and if you need assistance.

COVID Vaccine Resources

Homebound Intake Survey for those interested in getting on the waitlist to receive the vaccine at home

If you are physically or medically unable to leave your home to get the COVID-19 shot, please fill out this form. If you fill out this form, a person in your town will contact you. Your information will be shared with only that person. That person will help you get a COVID-19 shot. Please be patient, information is shared with towns once a week on Mondays. You do not have to fill out this form if you have another way to get the COVID-19 shot.

Transportation Resources to Vaccine Locations

Transportation resources exist across the state to help individuals get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Providers and local community services have been effectively meeting the transportation needs of their communities, ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to vaccination. If you or someone you’re assisting does not have transportation access, please utilize the resources to get connected with transportation help.

Click on the headings below to access resources related to COVID-19 and it’s effects on people with disabilities.

Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT):

DRCT FILES FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS (OCR)

Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) filed a formal complaint on May 4, 2020 with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, urging the federal agency to “immediately investigate and take swift action” to uphold the equal rights of individuals with disabilities and advise Connecticut to “eliminate its discriminatory guidance and instead develop revised, mandatory, uniform, standards.”  Read the news release issued by DRCT here and the complaint here.

DRCT Statement on hospitalization of individuals with disabilities

Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT) demands that the Connecticut Commissioner of Public Health protect the rights of people with disabilities in hospitals.  People with disabilities in Connecticut want the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health to issue a directive to hospitals in our state to respect our health, safety and rights.  Representatives and community groups have directly requested the Commissioner take action.  As of today, we have been met with silence and half-measures.  People with disabilities are at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 and receiving less care than others.  Only the Department of Public Health (DPH) can set licensing requirements to protect us.  DPH must do just that.  To read the DRCT statement in its entirety, click here.

Letter to gov/AG urging right to medical treatment

In an urgent letter to Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong, DRCT requested the issuance and dissemination of “mandatory principles, consistent with the Connecticut Constitution, state and federal law, reaffirming that persons with disabilities should not be denied medical care…”  DRCT is also urging the Governor to designate his staff to work with representatives of the state Department of Health, Connecticut hospital ethics committees and individuals from the disability community to develop “processes for operationalizing non-discriminatory allocation of resources.” Read the letter in full at: https://disrightsct.org/s/COVID-Letter-to-Gov-AG-4220.pdf.

DPH Should Allow Necessary Support if Disabled Are Hospitalized  

DRCT has written to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health urging that the Department immediately issue a directive stating that hospital visitation policies restricting visitors must include an accommodation for patients with disabilities who need assistance due to the specifics of their disability, permitting one designated support person to be with them, with proper precautions taken to contain the spread of infection.  Read a copy of the letter to DPH here.

Connecticut Call To Action

DRCT signed on to an urgent call to action for immediate strategies and solutions from the federal, state, tribal and local governments to address the specific needs of peoples with disabilities throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and all public health emergencies.

Message About Accessibility of Televised Emergency Messages

DRCT addressed the accessibility of televised emergency messages with both Governor Lamont’s and Mayor Bronin’s offices. Click above to read the text of the message.

DRCT Joins veterans advocates to demand release of incarcerated veterans

The National Veterans Council for Legal Redress, joined by a coalition of nine other veterans’ advocacy groups, is calling on Governor Ned Lamont and Commissioner for the Department of Corrections Rollin Cook to take immediate action to decarcerate Connecticut’s prisons. COVID-19 is causing a public health catastrophe across the state’s prisons that risks becoming a death sentence for incarcerated people. Incarcerated veterans are particularly at risk: they are older than the average incarcerated nonveteran and have higher incidences of diseases that put them at risk if infected with COVID-19. Governor Lamont and Commissioner Cook have the power to save lives by reducing the incarcerated populations in Connecticut prisons, and we urge them to take action now. The letter can be found here.

Know your rights flyer (english, ESPAÑOL)

DRCT’s flyer about your rights during the COVID-19 crisis in English and Spanish. Click on the language option above to view the flyer. Available in alternate format upon request.

Healthcare/Medical Treatment:

Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)

The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) connects callers to information about how to access the COVID-19 vaccine and related supports for people with disabilities. DIAL connects callers to vaccine sites and provides information related to barriers to vaccination by referring callers to local and national disability resources. Telephone: (888) 677-1199 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET. Email: DIAL@n4a.org Website: www.acl.gov/dial

Homebound Intake Survey for those interested in getting on the waitlist to receive the vaccine at home

If you are physically or medically unable to leave your home to get the COVID-19 shot, please fill out this form. If you fill out this form, a person in your town will contact you. Your information will be shared with only that person. That person will help you get a COVID-19 shot. Please be patient, information is shared with towns once a week on Mondays. You do not have to fill out this form if you have another way to get the COVID-19 shot.

Transportation Resources to Vaccine Locations

Transportation resources exist across the state to help individuals get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Providers and local community services have been effectively meeting the transportation needs of their communities, ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to vaccination. If you or someone you’re assisting does not have transportation access, please utilize the resources to get connected with transportation help.

Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Navigator Guide

The navigator’s role is to assist vaccine eligible recipients in scheduling their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Vaccine eligible recipients will not be asked for a Social Security Number or financial information. The COVID-19 vaccine is free. Connecticut is using an age-based eligibility criterion for vaccine eligibility.

Department of Public Health Vaccine Informational flyer

You'll find a variety of print materials like flyers, posters, and palm cards that can support outreach and education programs. Some tool kits also include digital assets that may be helpful on social media.

Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Issues Bulletin

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a bulletin to ensure that entities covered by civil rights authorities keep in mind their obligations under laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and exercise of conscience and religion in HHS-funded programs, including in the provision of health care services during COVID-19. OCR is particularly focused on ensuring that covered entities do not unlawfully discriminate against people with disabilities when making decisions about their treatment during the COVID-19 health care emergency.

Covid-19 communication rights toolkit

Patients with the coronavirus who need communication tools and supports due to speech-related disabilities face greater risks of discrimination and isolation during this pandemic. Your legal and civil rights to access your communication supports do not go away during an emergency, in quarantine, or in the hospital! Information, tool kit, and accommodation request form available at: https://communicationfirst.org/covid-19/  

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

What you need to know about the virus and how to protect yourself and others. Sign up for Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Email and Text Updates: Free email newsletter about CDC updates. Website: https://www.cdc.gov/other/emailupdates/index.html

Medicare Coverage of the Corona Virus Test

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a test to see if you have coronavirus (officially called 2019-novel coronavirus or COVID-19). This test is covered when your doctor or other health care provider orders it.

Health insurance

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to threaten public health, Access Health CT announced a NEW Special Enrollment Period for qualified uninsured Connecticut residents, through April 17. Learn more here. 

Safeguard Against Disability Discrimination During COVID-19

Including individuals with disabilities in the COVID-19 response to ensure equitable care. This fact sheet is designed as a quick reference guide suitable for posting on bulletin boards in medical facilities. It is based on guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. 

State of Connecticut:

State of Connecticut

For the latest information, resources, and guidance related to coronavirus (COVID-19) in our state. Sign up for Governor Ned Lamont’s Email Updates: Get updates from Governor Ned Lamont straight to your inbox. Website: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Sign-Up-for-News-Updates

Connecticut Emergency Alerting and Notification System

Get alerts about Connecticut wherever you are with CT ENS Citizen Sign up. Notifications may be sent through emails, phone calls, or text messages. CTAlert@ct.gov or https://www.ctalert.gov/ctalert/site/default.asp  

CT Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General Tong provides an update on Coronavirus price gouging complaints. Consumers are encouraged to file their complaints online and list accurate information about the company, retail store or online vendor where the suspected instance of price gouging occurred. In the complaint, consumers should list the name and address of the retailer, the date and time of the instance, and also submit any pictures that show the suspected price hike. Telephone: (860) 808-5318 Link: https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint/

Deaf Community:

Effective Communication Access in Hospitals & COVID-19

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, how will you be able to talk to doctors, nurses and others at the hospital? This guide is to help you get ready for your hospital visit. Video in ASL: https://youtu.be/CnBZlJ39ESQ 
Website: https://www.nad.org/covid19-communication-medical-access-for-deaf-hard-of-hearing/#placard 

NAtional Association of the Deaf

The NAD CEO Howard A. Rosenblum shares news about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how the U.S. Government has failed to make information accessible in ASL, how this disease affects education and employment access, how this affects the NAD office, and that the NAD Conference is still going on as planned. #CoronavirusInASL

American Sign Language (ASL) CoronaVirus Hotline

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) and its Connect Direct division announced today the launch of a new coronavirus hotline for the deaf community made available through its ASL Now platform. CSD’s free hotline brings the deaf community important and accessible information on COVID-19 in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Individuals may contact the ASL Now hotline anytime Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST either by visiting CSD and clicking “ASL Now” or by dialing 833-682-7630 on any videophone (VP).

Accessible Emergency Management for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People – Best Practices:

Intended to provide local emergency managers with tools and resources they can reference to provide access to emergency services for their deaf and hard of hearing residents.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind Medical Placard

A print out page for Deaf, hard of hearing, or Deafblind and need hospital staff to communicate differently. 

Free VRI during COVID-19 Testing

Getting tested for COVID-19 is a stressful experience and people want access to interpreting services during this time. Linguabee is offering VRI for free at the test sites. Telephone: (855) 585-5859. Email: support@linguabee.com Website: https://www.linguabee.com/covid19/free-vri  

National Association of the Deaf – Letter to White House about Coronavirus Conferences

Letter from the National Association of the Deaf to the White House about having an American Sign Language interpreter on the screen for emergency updates about Coronavirus.

CoronaVirus Visual Tool

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) has created a Coronavirus Visual Tool to assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing people communicate during medical appointments  

Developmental Disabilities:

Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Updates for individuals and families of DDS clients

Plain Language Information on COVID-19 (ENGLISH, ESPAÑOL)

Click on the language option above to open an 8-page resource booklet created by and for people with developmental disabilities from the Self Advocacy and Resource Technical Assistance Center

Administration for Community Living

What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know?

Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times Guide

Individuals with autism may have varied levels of understanding about the COVID-19 virus, how it spreads, and how to reduce risk of exposure.  This guide provides support strategies that are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism during this period of uncertainty. 

Mental Health:

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)

Updates for individuals who are clients of DMHAS

Taking Care of your Mental Health in the face of uncertainty

A thoughtful article from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

NAMI CT Virtual Support Groups

The Coronavirus outbreak is leaving many people feeling anxious, angry, sad, or scared. People living with mental conditions, their loved ones, and their caregivers face unique challenges during this public health crisis. You are not alone. The Connecticut chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illnes is here for you with virtual support groups and education programs. Please call 860-882-0236 to reach them directly.

NAMI COVID-19 Resources and Information Guide

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. This guide aims to be helpful to the NAMI community and the greater public during this difficult period.

How to Care for Yourself While Practicing Physical Distancing:

This is a publication by Mental Health First Aid. It aims to provide helpful tools and resources for practicing self-care in this time of crisis. 

Public Benefits/Housing:

CT Law Help

Get legal information about court access, school, work, benefits, housing, and more during the COVID-19 crisis.

Social Security Administration

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made significant changes to its operations and policies. Find out more about which services have been affected. https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

Fair Housing Protections

Connecticut Fair Housing Center provides resources that may be helpful to renters, home owners, housing providers, social service providers, and other community organizations, as we all work to address the pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns about fair housing protection, or believe you have experienced discrimination in housing, please call the Center at (860) 247-4400 or (888) 247-4401 (toll free), or write to us at info@ctfairhousing.org.

Coronavirus and Connecticut Homelessness Resource Guide

This resource guide is intended to provide useful information to providers of homeless shelters, transitional housing, drop-in centers, and other homeless services to assist with preparation and prevention of spread of COVID-19 in Connecticut. Website: https://cceh.org/2020/03/19/11330/ 

Request Rent Recalculation – Public Housing & Section 8:

If you live in low-income public housing or have a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), this website will help you send a letter to the housing authority to report a change in your income and request that your rent be recalculated.

Schools, Children & Families:

U.S. Department of Education

Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Students with Disabilities

Bureau of Special Education

CT Department of Education Bureau of Special Education issued guidance about services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a working document that may be updated frequently. Make sure to check back for updates. https://portal.ct.gov/SDE-SpecialEdCoronavirus

Domestic Violence Assistance

An important update from the Department of Children & Families (DCF) for people experiencing intimate partner violence.

Department of Children and Families (DCF)

COVID-19 information and resources from Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families
Have a question concerning the Coronavirus and the Connecticut DCF? E-Mail us: DCF.COVID-19@ct.gov

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)

Special Education Guidance for Parents Related to School Reopening August 2020:This document is intended to assist families of students with disabilities in understanding how special education instruction and related services may be delivered within the context of the three learning models in which students may be participating during the 2020-21 school year. Read the document here. For more information, visit https://cpacinc.org/

Employment:

Employment Accommodations and the Coronavirus

This information is provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19. 

Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the ADA

This technical assistance document provides information about Titles I and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act and pandemic planning in the workplace.

National Resources:

The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies

The Partnership is a coalition of local, national and global disability rights, emergency management, public health and community leaders and allies committed to equal access and whole community inclusion before, during and after disasters. They have been cataloging a COVID-19 disability focused Community-Wide Resource List of all the great systems advocacy tools, templates, call to actions, information, media coverage, webinars, and more that are being published and released by and throughout the community. Hotline: 800-626-4959;
Email: info@disasterstrategies.org

IRS & Tax Relief during Coronavirus

The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

Economic Impact Payments

If you don’t file taxes, use the "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" application to provide simple information so you can get your payment.