Information for disability service providers on COVID 19

There is a wealth of information available on the Internet about COVID19. The volume of information can be overwhelming. At the same time there is a need for good information for service providers to guide support to people with disabilities during this crisis.

We aim to provide signposts to useful information on this page and welcome your feedback and input to ensure that we get the most relevant information to you. Some of the information gathered here may also be useful to families or individuals with intellectual disabilities themselves. 

We thank our members and all other information providers who have contributed resources.

Guidance from HSE 

• The most important source of information on COVID for disability service providers to be aware of is https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/. This page is continuously updated with the most current updates so it is important to check regularly. 
• Guidances and information resources specific to disability services are provided at the following link: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/

HR Supports  

• Link to HR Circulars 2020 - circulars relating to COVID are from HR 006/2020 onwards.
• Link to Civil & Public Service Temporary Assignment Scheme 
• Link to FAQs for Public Service Employers in relation to working arrangements and leave associated with COVID-19
• Link to Illness Benefit for COVID-19 absences. 
• This guide developed by the Brothers of Charity Ireland, Galway Services Psychologists provides advice on self-care for Frontline Staff in response to COVID 19
• ​​Link to The psychological needs of healthcare staff as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic
• Link to Webinar on the Education and Training section on HSEland Introductory information session on HSE Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at risk of Abuse Policy during Co-Vid 19 Public Health emergency
• Link to HSE Coronavirus Information for Staff 
• Link to IBEC Covit19 Hub

Information to support people to understand changes due to COVID19 

• East to read Coronavirus (COVID-19) words in plain English
• Easy to read Covid19 Public Information Booklet
• This video is an accessible and fun song guide to washing your hands
• This easy to read guide is to support people to understand What Is Covid19? 
• Easy to read guide: What happens when I have Covid19
• Easy to read guide:  When my housemate has Covid 19 and I am staying in the house 
• Easy to read guide: When my housemate has Covid 19 and is leaving the house
• Easy to read guide as to why we have: No visitors 
• Easy to read guide as to why: Cafes and restaurants are closed
• Easy to read guide as to why: My day service is closed
• Easy to read guide as to why there is No Mass or Church at the moment
• Easy to read guide as to why I am not going to work at the moment 
• Easy to read guide: How to wash my hands 
• Easy to read guide: How to cough and sneeze
• Accessible video to help people to understand the testing procedure

Advice for staff and family members 

• This guide for staff provides advice around supporting people during a major crisis such as we are experiencing with Covid19.
• This guide provides advice for maintaining a calm home
• This guide provides useful advice on maintaining your mental health during the crisis 
• This guide provides advice on supporting people with additional needs during Covid19 closures

Other Useful Resources

• Link to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Charities on Charities Regulator Website 

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