COVID-19 RESOURCES
Welcome to the OFCP RAMP - COVID Resource page. This page has been compiled with the resources shared through our e-Bulletin publications during the COVID outbreak.
Our hope is that this will provide you with a starting point to search and navigate through the many resources and services you may find useful during these challenging times.
Now, more than ever, it is important to stay connected and provide information to you that is current, relevant and useful. Our team is committed to supporting you and initiatives that will benefit our broader community.
Vaccine Information & Support
COVID-19 Resources – Links to other organizations
Government Support & Services
Food Delivery & Essential supplies
Support for Children & Families
Financial Planning
Communication Disability Supports
Mental Health supports
Recreation and Virtual Events
News Articles re COVID
Vaccine Information & Support
OFCP COVID-19 Vaccine Position Statement
COVID-19 OFCP Updates (as published in OFCP e-bulletins)
Vaccines and Ethical Frameworks by Kylie Hamilton
https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?u=596256882a05fc66284a54020&id=8f9ca484f5
Long Haulers, by Kylie Hamilton
https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?u=596256882a05fc66284a54020&id=5a5476c390
Vaccines Explained , by Sarah Vanderkolff
https://ofcp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Vaccines-Explained.pdf
Vaccination and Children
Vaccination against COVID-19 for children aged 5-11: Answers to your questions
Vaccinating children aged 5-11 against COVID-19 is an important and crucial step forward to protect children with brain-based developmental disabilities. In preparation, Children’s Healthcare Canada has shared a collection of trusted resources for health care providers and families, as well as evidence-based answers to questions about the vaccine. Read more on Children’s Healthcare Canada’s here:
https://www.childrenshealthcarecanada.ca/covid19-vaccine-and-canadas-kids
COVID 19 Vaccines for Children and Adults – December 14, 2021
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-children-and-youth
COVID 19 Vaccination Information - Children and Youth
For information and possible clinics in your area, see Empowered Kids Ontario website, https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/ and visit their Member Directory list,https://empoweredkidsontario.ca/en/memberdirectory, for dates, times and booking instruction for upcoming appointment availability.
OFCP COVID 19 Vaccine Support Fund
The purpose of this fund is to provide one time assistance to help OFCP members cover additional expenses related to costs associated with receiving the vaccine. These eligible expenses include but are but not limited to transportation costs, attendant services, parking, or other related costs.
https://form.jotform.com/ofcp/ofcp-covid-19-vaccine-support
Ontario Government - Accessible Rides to Vaccines Program
The Accessible Drive To Vaccines program will ensure that anyone who wants a vaccine is able to by connecting eligible individuals with staff and volunteers who will drive them to and from local vaccination sites across the province. This includes individuals who have not yet received their first shot, or anyone who may require additional support to access their second.
This initiative will focus on helping people who do not have access to accessible transportation through family, neighbours or community organizations. Getting as many Ontarians as possible vaccinated is a critical part of the government’s strategy to fight COVID-19.
Quick Facts
- Individuals must have a vaccine appointment booked for the date of transportation requested.
- Eligible individuals must be a person with a disability within the meaning of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
- Depending on logistics it may be the same driver both ways or two separate drivers.
- One caregiver or support person will also be permitted to accompany the person on this accessible transportation initiative.
https://www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca/
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
People with Disabilites - Information regarding risk, protecting yourself, preparations and protection during COVID 19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-disabilities.html
Vaccination and Transportation Assistance
211 Central (Toronto, Durham, Peel, & York) offers a list of agencies offering fee-for-services as well as free rides to and from Vaccination appointments in the GTA.
Please note: For information about other areas of the province and how they are providing access to vaccination clinics, you can use the 211Ontario website and search by topic, “Vaccination Transportation” and “Your City”; it will then direct you to the information applicable to your location.
CILT Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccines and People with Disabilities in Ontario
On April 7th 2021, the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto hosted a two-hour webinar on Vaccines and how to access them, focusing on people with a disability. A YouTube video of the presentation is available to the public for viewing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XTSjifJTdY
COVID-19 Resources – Links to other organizations
ARCH Disability Law Office
Canadian Hearing Society
Canadian Mental Health Association
https://cmha.ca/news/covid-19-and-mental-health
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
https://cnib.ca/en/sight-loss-info/virtual-program-offerings-covid-19-resources?region=on
Centre for Independent Living Toronto (CILT)
https://www.cilt.ca/cilt-resources/information-and-resources-list-related-to-covid-19/
Community Living Toronto
Easter Seals
https://www.easterseals.org/actions-and-information-regarding-covid-19/
Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Ontario Hospital Association – Your Covid-19 Questions Answered
Partners for Planning
https://www.planningnetwork.ca/
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
https://sciontario.org/covid-19-updates-resources/#public-health
Surrey Place
https://www.surreyplace.ca/resource-library/?_sft_topic=covid-19
Government Support & Services
CALC – Community Advocacy and Legal Centre – list of available benefits during COVID 19 as of November 6, 2021
The Community Advocacy and Legal Centre in Belleville Ontario has produced a table of benefits available from various levels of government during the COVID pandemic, including benefits regarding Medical Transporation, Mortgage Payment Deferral, E.E., Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefits, and the Doubling of Canadian Student Loans.
Service Canada Announcement
In response to COVID-19, Service Canada has launched a number of new virtual e-services to continue to provide support to individuals who need assistance to access benefits and services from their home.
The Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) is essential for accessing government services and benefits. Through the eSIN portal, individuals can submit a SIN application entirely online within a secure and protected environment.
Additionally, the eServiceCanada portal allows individuals requiring assistance from Service Canada to submit an online request and receive a callback from a Service Canada officer within two business days.
Accessing Funding & Support During COVID-19
During the COVID pandemic many organizations have had to change how they provide services and support to the public. Thankfully many have found ways to continue to provide this virtually or in new ways. We found the following information very helpful for our members and we would like to share this with you.
A) March of Dimes Home & Vehicle Modification program is still open for funding but has gone virtual - you can access their program by telephone or online so you don't have to miss it during the pandemic. https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/am/hvmp/Pages/modchvmp.aspx
B) Easter Seals has updated their funding page to include information about which programs are currently available and which are on hold; as well as information on how to apply for funds; https://services.easterseals.org/covid-19-update-april-21-2020/. As well, Easter Seals Camp has gone virtual, please follow this link for more information about the summer program. https://www.eastersealscamps.org/
C) The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto has information about 24/7 Emergency Services contacts for the City of Toronto as well as COVID-19 Resources for Consumers. https://www.cilt.ca/
D) Citizens With Disabilities Ontario: Information for People with Disabilities on Covid-19
Citizens With Disabilities Ontario has compiled information about Covid-19 for people with disabilities.
Read the COVID-19 Guide for people with disabilities here
E) Ontario Community Support Program
Do you know an isolated, low-income senior or person with disabilities who needs support getting the essentials they need to stay home during COVID-19?
The Ontario Community Support Program is coordinating local services to deliver meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials during COVID-19.
Help keep our community healthy and safe. Find out more and sign up for service at www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca, or call 211.
Toll Free: 1-877-330-3213; TTY: 1-888-340-1001.
F) Community Living Ontario offers Support during COVID
CLO Staying Connected page helps members navigate the overwhelming amount of news, resources and information that is out there during COVID. Have a look at their quick links for pertinent information.
https://communitylivingontario.ca/en/staying-connected/
Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit
As CERB wraps up there are some new supports in place to assist people through these trying times. One of those benefits is the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB).
The new Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit is effective from September 27, 2020 for one year, and provides $500 per week ($450 after taxes withheld), for up to 26 weeks per household to eligible Canadians.
For more information click here.
CRA/ARC: One-time Payment for Persons With Disabilities Update
On July 17, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a one-time $600 payment in recognition of the extraordinary expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility:
The payment will be automatically issued to persons with disabilities who:
1. Have a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate provided by the Canada Revenue Agency or are eligible for the DTC and apply for it by September 25, 2020.
2. Are beneficiaries, as at July 1, 2020, of Canada Pension Plan Disability or Quebec Pension Plan Disability.
3. Are beneficiaries, as at July 1, 2020, of disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada:
· Disability Pension
· Disability Award
· Pain and Suffering Compensation
· Critical Injury Benefit
· Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program
· Income Replacement Benefit
· Canadian Forces Income Support.
Payment:
Persons eligible for the above programs do not have to apply to receive this payment. The payment consists of a one-time, non-taxable and non-reportable amount of $600.
The payment of up to $600 will be automatically issued in the form of a cheque or direct deposit. Payments are expected to be issued beginning this Fall.
The payment information will be provided on the One-time payment to persons with disabilities web page once available:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/covid19-emergency-benefits/one-time-payment-persons-disabilities.html.
Recipients of the payment are encouraged to make sure their address and banking information is up to date in order to receive prompt payment.
New Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Applications:
Persons with disabilities, who meet the eligibility criteria for the DTC but have yet to apply to the Canada Revenue Agency, can apply until September 25, 2020.
Ontario Creating New Career Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth
The Ontario government is investing $2.2 million in eight new projects to help disadvantaged youth and job seekers from underrepresented groups in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The projects will focus on developing the skills and training they need to begin successful careers.
For more information please read the article below.
Ontario Ministry of Health: Assisted Devices Program Announcement
Ontario Ministry of Health's ADP is Accepting All Applications for Assistive Devices
Ontario Ministry of Health's ADP has advised that it has now re-opened and is making decisions about applications for assistive devices.The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Office permanently re-opened for business on April 29, 2020.
Please see the following links for more information about how applications should be sent and how approvals will be made going forward.
https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/resource/arch-bulletin-on-covid-19-assistive-devices-program-is-open
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/adp/
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) supports during COVID-19
The Ministry of Community and Social Services has provided an ODSP – Covid Fact Sheet for its recipients. Find out the latest information regarding benefits and how to apply for them here.
https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/EN/MCSS/PROGRAMS/SOCIAL/odsp/odsp-covid-fact-sheets.aspx
The Bright Futures Ability Network has put together an extremely helpful newsletter for any questions concerning ODSP supports and other financial matters during COVID-19
Click here to see the newsletter
COVID-19: Ontario Government Services and Resources
Ontario.ca has set up a page with a number of government services and resources, including:
1. Financial support
2. Supports for children and youth
3. Emergency shelters and other support services
4. Extensions on validations and deadlines
5. Mental health, wellness and addictions support AND
6. Support for seniors and people with disabilities (PWD)
211 Ontario Can Help You Find Support You Need During COVID-19
Up-to-date information for Ontarians regarding programs and services is available here.
CLEO Updates on Employment and Work
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO), has put together a new resource related to Employment and Work, answering questions like:
• Can my employer lay me off temporarily because of COVID-19?
• What happens if my workplace closes because of COVID-19?
• Can I get Employment Insurance (EI) if my employer reduces my hours of work?
• What is the COVID-19 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and how do I apply?
Click here to go to their website
Partners For Planning
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are suddenly facing unprecedented challenges. From financial planning, to sourcing online food delivery, it's safe to say that our daily routines have been turned upside down. For people living with a disability or those supporting them, those challenges can feel even more overwhelming.
To help you navigate this new normal, Partners For Planning created a new resource. COVID-19: Critical FAQs is now live and contains answers and links to common questions.
Planning Network - Action Guide: Staying Healthy and Motivated
Staying physically and mentally strong is the best way to stay positive about the future. Now’s the perfect time to tweak our lifestyle for better health. A small change in mindset can help all of us to start living more intentionally. Partners 4 Planning is sharing some tips and tricks for staying healthy and motivated in the fall and winter months in Action Guide 2 of Managing the New Normal.
In this guide:
Co-existing with COVID - Hello Vaccines
Getting Back out There
Staying Mentally Healthy
Staying Physically Healthy
Putting it all Together: Focussing on the Life You Want
More Resources for Staying Healthy and Connected During COVID
https://www.planningnetwork.ca/resources/managing-the-new-normal-staying-healthy-motivated
Lower Cost Internet for Canadians
Several programs that offer low-cost home internet to low-income Canadian families were shared in an open letter to families from the Minister of Education.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/letter-ontarios-parents-minister-education#section-0
• Telus "Internet for Good" offers $9.95/month internet to Canadians nationwide who receive child benefit and have incomes under $31,120 per year. Check link for more details or email InternetForGood@Telus.com with a photo of your 2018 Canada Child Benefit statement showing your income. https://www.telus.com/en/about/company-overview/community-investment/how-we-give/cause-campaigns/internet-for-good
• Rogers "Connected for Success" plan partners with non-profit and low-income housing providers in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador to offer $9.99/month home internet to their tenants. https://about.rogers.com/giving-back/connected-for-success/
• Connecting Families is a Federal program to connect families who receive the maximum Canada Child Benefit for under $10/month, but you need to have received a pre-qualification letter to participate. If you think you may be eligible but have not received a letter, try calling 800-328-6189 and asking about the Connecting Families initiative.
FOOD DELIVERY & ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
Ontario Community Support Program
Do you know an isolated, low-income senior or person with a disability who needs support getting the essentials they need to stay home during COVID-19?
The Ontario Community Support Program is coordinating local services to deliver meals, groceries, medicine, and other essentials during COVID-19.
Meals on Wheels – Delivery of nutritious meals accompanied by a safety check.
Essential Supplies – Delivery of supplies such as groceries or prescription medication
Help keep our community healthy and safe. Find out more and sign up for service at www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca, or call 211.
Toll Free: 1-877-330-3213; TTY: 1-888-340-1001.
COVID CARE COLLECTIVE
Covid Care Collective is a registered Canadian non-profit that serves low-income Canadian families by providing access to essential food, medical and hygiene items. Thousands of Canadians are at-risk of going hungry during this crisis. We provide urgent relief to individuals and families who are in critical financial need of support.
Unlike traditional food banks, Covid Care Collective allows households to tailor orders to meet their specific needs.
https://www.covidcarecollective.com/
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Planning Network – The Fundamentals of Future Planning
Now more than ever, we see the importance of ensuring that the well-being of our loved one with a disability –now and in the future – is happy, meaningful, and sustainable. That is why we are excited to introduce a brand-new series called the Fundamentals of Future Planning, a six-part enhanced webcast offering. Over the course of three months, guest speakers will share their expertise on a variety of topics and highlight the steps families can take to plan for a secure future with their loved one.
https://www.planningnetwork.ca/events/fundamentals-of-future-planning
Supports and Resources from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is offering a number of resources to support families during the pandemic. Please follow the link below if you are interested.
Family Tipsheet:
School In 2020-2021 During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Steps to Justice has shared this article about your child attending school in 2020-2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ministry of Education updates – November 2020
Ontario Revises COVID-19 Screening Guidance for Schools and Child-Care
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is updating its COVID-19 school and child care screening guidance.
Ontario to Hire more Staff and Improve Remote Learning in Targeted Communities
My COVID Disability Q
Kids brain health network CanChild, the Kids Brain Health Network, and the CHILD-BRIGHT Network are happy to announce the launch of My COVID Disability Q., a new Twitter Q&A hub for Canadian children and youth with disabilities.
https://kidsbrainhealth.ca/index.php/2020/05/11/my-covid-disability-q/
Learning Disability Association of Ontario
LDAO has many free educational resources for parents as well as online educational activities that can be done at home.
Ontario Creating New Career Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth
The Ontario government is investing $2.2 million in eight new projects to help disadvantaged youth and job seekers from underrepresented groups in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The projects will focus on developing the skills and training they need to begin successful careers.
For more information please read the article below.
ConnectAbility
ConnectABILITY a website and virtual community dedicated to lifelong learning and support for people who have an intellectual disability, their families and support networks
They have put together a number of resources concerning what to do while in isolation. Click here to view disability sector resources, physical distancing activities, and ways to stay connected.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Service Canada Announcement
In response to COVID-19, Service Canada has launched a number of new virtual e-services to continue to provide support to individuals who need assistance to access benefits and services from their home.
The Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) is essential for accessing government services and benefits. Through the eSIN portal, individuals can submit a SIN application entirely online within a secure and protected environment.
Additionally, the eServiceCanada portal allows individuals requiring assistance from Service Canada to submit an online request and receive a callback from a Service Canada officer within two business days.
CRA/ARC: One-time Payment for Persons With Disabilities Update
On July 17, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a one-time $600 payment in recognition of the extraordinary expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility:
The payment will be automatically issued to persons with disabilities who:
1. Have a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate provided by the Canada Revenue Agency or are eligible for the DTC and apply for it by September 25, 2020.
2. Are beneficiaries, as at July 1, 2020, of Canada Pension Plan Disability or Quebec Pension Plan Disability.
3. Are beneficiaries, as at July 1, 2020, of disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada:
· Disability Pension
· Disability Award
· Pain and Suffering Compensation
· Critical Injury Benefit
· Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program
· Income Replacement Benefit
· Canadian Forces Income Support.
Payment:
Persons eligible for the above programs do not have to apply to receive this payment. The payment consists of a one-time, non-taxable and non-reportable amount of $600.
The payment of up to $600 will be automatically issued in the form of a cheque or direct deposit. Payments are expected to be issued beginning this Fall.
The payment information will be provided on the One-time payment to persons with disabilities web page once available:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/covid19-emergency-benefits/one-time-payment-persons-disabilities.html.
Recipients of the payment are encouraged to make sure their address and banking information is up to date in order to receive prompt payment.
New Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Applications:
Persons with disabilities, who meet the eligibility criteria for the DTC but have yet to apply to the Canada Revenue Agency, can apply until September 25, 2020.
Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit
As CERB wraps up there are some new supports in place to assist people through these trying times. One of those benefits is the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB).
The new Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit is effective from September 27, 2020 for one year, and provides $500 per week ($450 after taxes withheld), for up to 26 weeks per household to eligible Canadians.
For more information click here.
COVID-19: Make a Power of Attorney using CLEO’s Guided Pathways
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO), has put together Steps to Justice to find out how to prepare a power of attorney or a will, including how to have the documents witnessed virtually. Use CLEO's Guided Pathways to help you draft a Power of Attorney for Personal Care or a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property. Visit COVID-19: Updates on the law and legal services on Steps to Justice.
COMMUNICATION DISABILITY SUPPORTS
Communication Toolkit
Below is information for people who have communication needs should they require hospitalization during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Be prepared.
Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) is sharing a number of great communication resources, picture and word boards and tips for how to use them. Please check their CDAC facebook page. Some of these resources aim to explain information concerning the virus. Also included are essential tools for healthcare providers to use with patients in ICU.
COVID-19 Communication Rights Toolkit:
www.cdacanada.com/resources/covid-19-communication-rights-toolkit/
Communication Disabilities Access Canada: Communication Supports in Exercising Legal Capacity, Control and Autonomy
The following is a message from Communication Disabilities Access Canada:
Individuals who have disabilities that affect their communication, report that people who work in healthcare, legal, financial and community services, often underestimate their ability to make and/ or communicate choices and decisions that matter to them. They tell us that sometimes:
People who don’t know them think their inability to speak means that they cannot make decisions and control what happens in their lives;
Professionals often ask their family members or support staff to make decisions about them without consulting them;
They can experience serious consequences when professionals do not involve them in decisions that matter to them, or do not take their opinions seriously;
They are not given the supports they need to effectively communicate and make important decisions that affect them.
It’s time that professionals understand the human rights of people who have communication disabilities to control their lives and to get the supports they need to do this.
With contributions from people who have a diverse range of experiences and qualifications in communication disabilities, legislation and accessibility, the resource includes lots of information about:
Communication and Capacity: Context and Guiding Principles (Barbara Collier)
Communication Disabilities: Barriers and Impact on Choice and Control (Barbara Collier)
Legal Context for Exercising Capacity and Provision of Communication Supports (Lana Kerzner)
Communication Supports: Formal, Symbolic Communicators (Barbara Collier)
Communication Supports: Informal, Non-Symbolic Communicators (Jo Watson)
More information at https://www.cdacanada.com/resources/communication-supports-in-exercising-capacity-and-autonomy/about
How One Company is Helping Individuals with a Hearing Impairment
The Como Foundation has changed it's business from building contractor to mask production! During this process they became aware of the need for special masks for those who are deaf or hard of hearing and could really benefit from being able to see facial expressions and lip read to assist in communication. This company was featured in a CTV news story. For more information see the link below.
https://www.thecomofoundation.ca/masks-available
For more information about the masks you can read about the company based out of Mississauga by clicking here.
Lastly, here is an article about how Max Cucchiella has been making masks in his home since the pandemic began:
https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-man-making-masks-specifically-for-the-hearing-impaired-1.4995460
COVID-19 Communication Rights Toolkit
Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) has put together a communication rights toolkit.
Effective communication is essential in all healthcare situations. Over half a million Canadians who have disabilities that affect communication are at high risk for not having the supports they need to communicate when accessing and receiving COVID treatments. In addition, a significant number of people who were previously able to speak, are now unable to communicate due to breathing problems and being on ventilators in Intensive Care Units. CDAC has compiled some communication resources about Covid 19 to support people communicating during Covid 19.
You can get the resources at: www.cdacanada.com/resources/covid-19/about/
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS
Covid-19, managing the next wave
Partners for Planning offers an extensive and wide variety of resources including Connecting with other families and Staying healthy during Covid.
https://www.planningnetwork.ca/
Government of Ontario Listing of Mental Health Supports
This site provides a listing of places to call, like: ConnexOntario
Helpline, Good2Talk, BounceBack, Kids Helpline, etc.
www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support
The Ontario Caregiver Organization Mental Health Supports
The OCO (Ontario Caregiver Organization) is offering to support caregivers during the COVID-19 situation. Please visit the COVID-19 page of their website for up-to-date caregiver information and resources, and visit this page for Tips for Caregiver Mental Health during COVID-19.
Growing Up with CP - Mental Health and Well-Being
CP-NET is excited to present “Growing up with CP: Mental Health & Well-being,” a webinar by Jan William Gorter initiated and led by young adults for young adults. Highlighting both lived experience and recent research from the CP-NET MyStory project, this webinar explores the intersection of mental health and CP, and discusses how we can better support young people in developing positive outcomes in mental health and well-being.
In addition to young people with CP, this webinar is informative for parents and health professionals.
www.canchild.ca/en/resources/279-growing-up-with-cp-mental-health-well-being
Planning Network - Action Guide: Staying Healthy and Motivated
Staying physically and mentally strong is the best way to stay positive about the future. Now’s the perfect time to tweak our lifestyle for better health. A small change in mindset can help all of us to start living more intentionally. Partners 4 Planning is sharing some tips and tricks for staying healthy and motivated in the fall and winter months in Action Guide 2 of Managing the New Normal.
In this guide:
Co-existing with COVID - Hello Vaccines
Getting Back out There
Staying Mentally Healthy
Staying Physically Healthy
Putting it all Together: Focussing on the Life You Want
More Resources for Staying Healthy and Connected During COVID
https://www.planningnetwork.ca/resources/managing-the-new-normal-staying-healthy-motivated
John Lord on Loneliness
Research shows that reduced social contact, being alone, isolation, & feelings of loneliness have all been associated with a reduced quality of life in people of all ages. Loneliness has been associated with a number of negative outcomes such as poor health, decreased quality of life & life satisfaction.
In this video, John Lord, researcher and author of numerous books addresses the impact of loneliness on our health & the ways to reach out & connect with others to improve our health & quality of life. With the COVID pandemic impacting many of our lives, this video has become even more relevant.
Click here to watch that video.
And, here is a book that John Lord speaks highly of in the video:
www.amazon.ca/Change-Your-World-Science-Resilience/dp/199943952X
RECREATION & VIRTUAL EVENTS
March of Dimes Canada: Recreational Events
Social distancing doesn't have to mean disconnection - March of Dimes online programs will help you stay connected and engaged from the safety and comfort of your own home. MODC's Recreation and Integration online virtual programming offers a variety of weekly online interactive recreational social activities hosted by the March of Dimes Canada Recreation staff, including virtual travel, music, art, exercises, theatre and interactive games.
https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/rec/integration/Pages/Recreational-Events.aspx
ConnectAbility
ConnectABILITY a website and virtual community dedicated to lifelong learning and support for people who have an intellectual disability, their families and support networks
They have put together a number of resources concerning what to do while in isolation. Click here to view disability sector resources, physical distancing activities, and ways to stay connected.
Community Living Ontario offers Support during COVID
CLO Staying Connected page helps members navigate the overwhelming amount of news, resources and information that is out there during COVID. Have a look at their quick links for pertinent information.
https://communitylivingontario.ca/en/staying-connected/
NEWS ARTICLES RE COVID-19
Guide to Booking a COVID-19 Vaccine in the GTA; Where, When, How (April 7, 2021)
As Phase 2 of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan gets underway, the list of eligible populations has expanded. Each region has their own distribution plan which can cause some confusion when residents attempt to book appointments.
Here is a full list of who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, where they can get a vaccination based on where they live in the GTA and how you can book an appointment:
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/04/07/covid-19-vaccine-gta-toronto-guide/
Thinking about the Obstacles People Face, by Laverne Jacobs
If we are to address disability inequality, says Professor Laverne Jacobs, we need to start by acknowledging the structural inequalities facing people with disabilities in daily life.
Unfortunately, it took a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic to force society to think about equality issues differently, she notes. “Nevertheless, this is the biggest catalyst that I have seen in our time.”
Jacobs, who founded and directs the Law, Disability & Social Change Project at Windsor University, is the recipient of this year’s Touchstone Award that recognizes efforts to further equality in the legal community.
Things Will Get Better: Canadians with disabilities left with few alternatives amid COVID-19 shutdowns
The CBC has published a very interesting article about the challenges facing people with disabilities during COVID-19 shutdowns. Click here to read that story.