Many people have had questions about the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; and we wanted to provide some resources, both nationally within the United States, as well as regionally for the Pacific Northwest.
National Information
Nationally, if you have questions, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for up-to-date resources and information:
COVID-19 and the Americans with Disabilities Act by the U.S. Department of Justice
Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)
DIAL is available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated and access COVID-19 tests. Call 888-677-1199 (Monday through Friday, 9am to 8pm Eastern Time) or email DIAL@aginganddisability.org.
COVID-19 tests for people who are blind or have low vision
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) webpage describes how people who are blind or have low vision can order COVID-19 testing kits that are more accessible.
CDC COVID-19 Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Care Providers
Covers 5 topics: getting the COVID-19 shot, washing your hands, getting a COVID-19 test, and wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance until you have gotten your shot. Choose from videos, posters, social stories and interactive activities (with more options coming soon).
CDC Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccination
Factsheets, graphics, videos, and a social media toolkit to introduce, explain, and encourage vaccination.
CDC COVID-19 Toolkit for Older Adults & People at Higher Risk
Contains COVID-19 vaccine guidance and tools to help older adults and people at higher risk and those who serve or care for them. Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs), checklists, posters, public service announcements, and more.
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Multiple Languages
Recently updated COVID-19 vaccine landing page for consumers and clinicians with materials available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.
CDC ASL videos on COVID-19 (YouTube)
Updated 10/16/2021
COVID-19: State and Federal Resources Advocacy by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
List of national and state-specific guidance documents including "What do older adults and people with disabilities need to know about COVID-19?" and "How to explain COVID-19 in plain language".
Coronavirus Rumor Control by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Information to help distinguish rumors from facts regarding the response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19 Response by the Administration for Community Living (ACL)
ACL staffs phone lines that people with disabilities can call to get help finding vaccine and testing locations and ordering free at-home testing kits.
ADA, Disability, and COVID-19 by the ADA National Network
News, updates, national resources, and information organized by topic
Accessibility at Drive-Thru Medical Sites by the Northwest ADA Center
Considerations to make drive-thru medical sites more accessible to people with disabilities by removing or reducing physical and communication barriers.
Civil Rights and COVID-19 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
Explains how civil rights laws assist patients in receiving the care they need during the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 Advocacy and Resources by the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
List of advocacy resources specific to COVID-19 and the rights of and protections for people with disabilities
Coronavirus and COVID-19 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Answers to the public's questions about employment rights that apply to situations involving COVID-19
COVID-19 and Disability Survey by the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD)
AAHD research reports and summaries and infographics of key findings; AAHD Video Series on COVID-19 and Disability
Federal Guidance on COVID-19 from Advancing States
List of guidance from numerous federal agencies including Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs
Provider Accessibility Initiative COVID-19 Web Series from the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)
Guidance from People with Disabilities on How to Provide Disability-Competent Care During the COVID-19 Epidemic
COVID-19 Accessible Resources by the Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation
Accessible Materials and Culturally Relevant Messages for Individuals with Disabilities, last updated 9/30/2021
Nursing Home Visitation - Frequently Asked Questions by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services [PDF]
Dated 2/2/2022
Regional Information
Face Coverings and Businesses: Balancing the ADA with Public Health During COVID-19 - NEW Fact Sheet by the Northwest ADA Center for AK, ID, OR, and WA
Washington State
The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call
Note: The DOH Coronavirus Hotline is experiencing high traffic and may be temporarily unavailable, so try back periodically.
Blind COVID Grant
The Blind COVID Grant is funded by the Washington State Department of Health and was given to the Washington State School for the Blind. The goal of this grant was to create and find accessible resources for people who are blind, specifically in Washington, but the hope is to reach other individuals as well. These resources specifically deal with the COVD-19 pandemic.
Communication Graphics card for use at vaccination sites
The DOH's ASL videos on COVID-19 are available on its YouTube Channel.
The Washington State Independent Living Council has a webpage of COVID-19 information and news updates.
Washington State Coronavirus Response
Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
COVID-19 Advocacy and Resources webpage by Disability Rights Washington
DSHS FamHelp Hotline answers questions about long-term care facilities and other state-licensed facilities affected by COVID-19:
Washington State mental and emotional well-being resources list during COVID-19
WA COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Collaborative The WA Department of Health seeks disability community members to advise on COVID-19 vaccine access. Two meetings per month.
Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR) creates CARES Act outreach videos
Video in English with ASL and closed captioning
Video in Spanish with ASL and closed captioning
Central Washington Disability Resources (CWDR), a Center for Independent Living in Ellensburg, WA, recently worked with local videographers to create two informational videos to highlight their CARES ACT program and the services that can be provided in Kittitas, Yakima, Grant, Chelan, and Douglas counties.
King County, Washington
visit King County Health Department
King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:
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If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center:
206-477-3977
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The call center will be open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM PST.
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For general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State's response, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at
800-525-0127
King County COVID-19 Resource Guide by the Office of Equity and Social Justice
ADA Accessible COVID-19 Testing Sites in Seattle and King County [PDF]
Accessibility at King County Partnerhip Vaccination Sites [PDF]
Vaccine Sites for Youth with Disabilities [PDF]
Find a Ride for King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and Snoqualmie Valley (by Hopelink (Hopelink can be reached at 425-943-6760 and )
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Alaska
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has expanded the information available on its COVID-19 webpage to address high-risk populations at a new Specific Groups page, with direct links noted below.
Direct link to recommendations concerning high risk populations (for long term care facilities; providers of long term services and supports; and seniors, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and their caregivers)
Direct link to guidance on residential care provided in nursing facilities, assisted living and other residential settings.
Direct link to Alaska DHSS COVID-19 website: coronavirus.alaska.gov, with link to Specific Groups page with section for High Risk Populations
The Governor’s March 10, 2020 press release regarding recommendations related to high-risk groups can be found here: State Urges Alaskans to Follow New Health Guidance in Anticipation of COVID-19 Cases, with a link to the accompanying official State Health Alert.
Information will also be relayed via the DHSS Facebook link: www.facebook.com/alaska.dhss/ and the DHSS Twitter link: twitter.com/Alaska_DHSS
The Division of Senior and Disabilities Service (SDS) response to COVID-19 webpage
Disability Law Center of Alaska home page contains COVID-19 info and guidance sheets
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Idaho
visit Health and Welfare Idaho
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has announced a new toll-free number for Idahoans to call with questions about COVID-19 or the Statewide Stay-Home Order. The number,
Idaho State Independent Living Council's COVID-19 webpage with resources for Idahoans
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare COVID-19 Updates for Providers and Participants
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Developmental Disabilities with drop-down menu for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) information and guidance
The home page for DisAbility Rights Idaho and their COVID-19 Updates webpage provides info and guidance
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Oregon
Latest COVID Vaccine News in American Sign Language by the Oregon Health Authority
Communications toolkit for 65+ COVID-19 vaccination plan
COVID-19 Guidance for People with Disabilities, Older Adults and People with Underlying Health Conditions [PDF] by the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division and DHS Emergency Management
DHS COVID-19 Information and Resources
FACT Oregon, a nonprofit working with families that have children with disabilities, has a webpage with resources and guidance
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) & Disability Rights by Disability Rights Oregon
The Aging and Disability Community Project is acquiring and distributing limited amounts of facial masks, face coverings, sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies for caregivers of people with disabilities and older adults.
The Digital Divide Workgroup: Connecting Portland During the COVID-19 Crisis aims to help provide computers to eligible people with disabilities who are impacted by COVID-19.
Hospital Support Persons Flyer by the Oregon Health Authority [PDF]. Oregon Health Authority has created a flyer for the public that reiterates the right to a support person for people with disabilities who are admitted to a hospital or an emergency department.