The Latest from CDC: As we learn more about the Delta variant, CDC has updated its masking guidance for people who are vaccinated. Here is what you need to know:
- If you are fully vaccinated, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic.
- To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
- Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. If this applies to you or your household, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area.
- You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance.
In addition, CDC recommends universal indoor masking by all students (age 2 and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Learn more about what to expect at your child's K- 12 school or child care program.
The good news is that vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death, including against the Delta variant. CDC recommends that you get vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 as studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19,
Speaking of vaccines: In June, ACL announced the launch of the Disability Information Assistance Line, the first national hotline to help people with disabilities access vaccinations in their communities and connect to information and services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and transportation. This new infographic makes it easy to spread the word about this resource. You can reach the Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@usaginganddisability.org any time. Older adults can learn more about vaccine access by calling the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visiting this website to chat live or browse resources.
Upcoming Webinars:
- Today, August 11, 1:30pm ET: The Impact of the Pandemic on the Direct Support Professional’s (DSP) Workforce, hosted by CMS.
- Tomorrow, August 12, 2pm ET: Telework in Action: A Disability Inclusion Practice Whose Time Has Arrived, hosted by the ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN).
- Wednesday, August 25, 1:00pm ET: Beyond Extra Time for Exams; Accommodations at Colleges and Universities, hosted by the NIDILRR-funded Northeast ADA Center.
- Thursday, September 9, 2:00pm ET: Using the National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) to Explore the Experience of Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Rural and Urban People with Disabilities, hosted by NIDILRR.
Recent ACL Guidance:
- FAQ on Use of Older Americans Act Funding for Incentives (such as gift cards, vouchers, giveaways, or prize items)
- Program Reporting Guidance for American Rescue Plan Grants to Enhance Adult Protective Services Program
Addressing housing insecurity: Last week, CDC issued a new order temporarily halting evictions in counties with heightened levels of community transmission. The American Rescue Plan includes billions in federal rental assistance for renters who are behind on housing costs, as well as landlords who have struggled during the pandemic. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has developed a new look up tool that allows renters and landlords to find information on rental assistance in their area as well as a new toolkit to help you spread the word about the program. In addition, a new training and chapter summary from ACL's National Center on Law and Elder Rights can help advocates learn more about how to help older adults navigate rental assistance programs. We have created a new "Federal Assistance Programs" section on our Resources for Older Adults, People with Disabilities, Families, and Caregivers page to help you keep track of housing and other resources.
Rights and supports for COVID "long haulers": Although many people with COVID-19 get better within weeks, some people continue to experience symptoms that can last months after first being infected, or may have new or recurring symptoms at a later time. People with this condition are sometimes called “long-haulers” and this condition is commonly known as “long COVID.”
For the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the White House published a comprehensive package of resources for people with disabilities, including people with long COVID:
- A new ACL resource describing how our disability and aging networks can help people with long COVID
- Guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice explaining that some individuals with long COVID may have a disability under various civil rights laws that entitles them to protection from discrimination.Watch an August 2 briefing on the guidance hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement, in conjunction with the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor.
- New COVID-19 and Long COVID-19 resource page from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the Department of Labor.
- CDC's COVID-19 resource site has a page with information on post-COVID conditions.
- A resource from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Long COVID under Section 504 and the IDEA: A Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families.
Learning from data on COVID-19 and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: HHS' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation recently released a report and issue brief examining state collection and reporting of COVID-19 data, COVID-19 infection prevention strategies, and COVID-19 vaccine prioritization for the ID/DD population.