Although we have been living in quarantine and practicing social distancing for about six weeks, programs and protocols are continuously emerging. It seems that we are constantly scanning through new information — and this can be quite the task for disabled graduate students because resources remain scarce.
In this week’s blog, I have compiled a list of resources and tips that may be useful for disabled students or students who are supporting disabled folks. Please note: this list is not exhaustive and that resources are continuously being generated. I have thus included a list of websites that are often updated with the latest information pertaining to COVID-19 and disability.
ADVOCACY:
Employment & Social Development Canada: COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group
“The CDAG will advise the Minister on the real-time lived experiences of persons with disabilities during this crisis on disability-specific issues, challenges and systemic gaps and on strategies, measures and steps to be taken.”
International Disability Alliance: COVID-19 and the Disability Movement
“In the light of the COVID19 pandemic and with the aim to support a disability-inclusive response to the crisis, International Disability Alliance (IDA) has launched this hub-page to share the most recent updates and resources as they become available.”
Ontario Community Support Association: Find Support During COVID-19
“Helping isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario get meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-19”
FINANCES:
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: Support for Students and New Grads Affected by COVID-19
“This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities.”
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services: COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund
“The CRRF will help to address financial and service delivery pressures that agencies are feeling during this time. These funds will help to manage the health and safety of children, youth and adults supported in residential settings, as well as the staff who support them.”
MEDIA / PRESS RELEASES:
ARCH Disability Law Centre: Recommendations to the Canadian Government from Disability Related Organizations in Canada
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work: Statement by Minister Qualtrough on Canada’s Disability-Inclusive Approach to its COVID-19 Pandemic Response
World Health Organization: Disability Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak
ONLINE COLLABORATING / LEARNING:
Google: Accessibility for Docs Editors
Microsoft Teams: Accessibility Support
Office 360: Accessibility
Slack: Help Centre (‘Accessibility’)
Zoom: Accessibility Features
SAFER SHOPPING:
The first hour of these following stores in Kingston is dedicated to folks from vulnerable populations.
FreshCo: 7:00 am-8:00 am
Loblaws: 7:00 am-8:00 am
Metro: 7:00 am-8:00 am
Shoppers Drugsmart: 8:00 am-9:00 am
TOOLS:
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work: COVID-19 Resource Library
For recent information, please visit:
“From employment law to getting groceries, the Accessible Business Hub will provide up-to-date information for Canadians with disabilities as we navigate the current pandemic reality. Developed by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, the site will provide key information at people’s fingertips.”
National Education Association of Disabled Students
“The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), has had the mandate to support full access to education and employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada.”
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