covid-19 responses...aviva romm, md heading reads, "social distancing is a social responsibility"...

COVID-19 Responses

March 20th - April 10th 2020

DDS leadership fielded questions from various sources on these dates:

• March 20, 2020 – Service Providers

• March 27, 2020 – Community

• March 27, 2020 – Service Providers

• April 3, 2020 – Community

• April 3, 2020 – Service Providers

Community and Service Providers Forums

The following slides reflect answers and resources provided during these forums.

• COVID-19 guides for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including tips for working with a DSP: https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/

• Guidance for everyone from DC Health: https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/health-notices

• COVID-19 videos from the CDC:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/videos.html

• COVID-19 Video from Oregon Office of Developmental Disability Services: https://youtu.be/MJ8eeC-tVD4

Explaining COVID-19Plain Language and Video Resources

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• Best place for citywide updates and resources: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

• Guidance for providers from DC Health: https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/health-notices

• Guidance and resources from DDS to staff and providers: https://dds.dc.gov/node/1467506

• Things to do and helpful resources for everyone from DD Council https://ddc.dc.gov/page/dc-dd-councils-covid-19-information-page

COVID-19 Guidance & Resources

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Please check this site regularly—updates daily!

https://coronavirus.dc.gov

https://coronavirus.dc.gov/https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

DC Mayor Bowser Issues Stay at Home Orderhttps://coronavirus.dc.gov/stayhome

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Mayor Bowser’s Order specifies that people may leave their home to:

• engage in essential activities – obtaining medical care that cannot be provided through telehealth and obtaining food and essential household goods;

• perform or access essential governmental functions;

• work at essential businesses;

• engage in essential travel; or

• engage in allowable recreational activities, as defined by the Mayor’s Order.

Any individual who willfully violates the stay-at-home order may be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.

Stay at Home Order in DC

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Aviva Romm, MD

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General Operations - DDS

Full details on operating status: https://dds.dc.gov/node/1467506

Intake Procedures for Vocational Rehabilitation Services – DC Residents with disabilities can file an on-line application for vocational rehabilitation services at https://tinyurl.com/ddsrsavr.

Intake teams schedule intake appointments and advise people of next steps via telephone.

Disability Determination Division - Disability Determination staff is teleworking and communicating with people about pending eligibility determinations for SSI and SSDI via telephone and U.S. mail.

Intake Procedures for People with Intellectual Disabilities – DC Residents with disabilities wishing to apply for service coordination services call 202-730-1700. Community liaison reaching out by phone to begin the intake application process and schedule a later date to follow up for an in-person appointment.

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Will DDA expand eligibility to serve people who may otherwise be excluded from DDA services during COVID-19?No, DDS will not be expanding eligibility to DDA services at this time. DDS leadership is attending citywide outreach and special operations meetings to ensure that support is reaching people not currently in the service system.

How do Service Providers know what is going on? Communication is shared regularly with providers by email and weekly Provider Forums hosted by DDS leadership. These will continue throughout COVID-19 Stay at Home Order.

How does the community know what is going on? Communication is shared regularly with the community at large by weekly forums hosted by DDS leadership. Also, the Department on Aging and Community Living (formerly DC Office on Aging) is collaborating with the Office of Disability Rights to send communication by mail. A main focus is to support the Mayor’s efforts to maintain a unified response to COVID-19.


What is the role of the Service Coordinator during this time?

Service Coordinators are continuing to provide services as typically provided. Only visiting in-person if there are concerns of abuse, neglect, or circumstances with health issues. Service Coordinators must approve staffing modifications within 24 hours.

What is the role of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor during this time?

• Transition VR Counselors are reaching out to all student to make sure they have what they need to make transition to online learning.

• General VR Counselors are continuing to document substance of interactions at least 3 times a month.

• Verbal consents are not an option and VR Counselors should think of alternate ways to have a person sign for consent, for example take a photo of signed consent form.


What is the role of Quality Resource Specialists (QRS) during this time?

QRS teams are continuing to provide services as typically provided. In addition, they are contacting providers weekly to check-in with needs and help providers identify psychological supports available by telehealth.


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• Informing residential and day providers that the D.C. Superior Court and its Probate Division have issued specific guidance on how guardianship proceedings will be handled during the declared Public Health Emergency related to COVID-19.

• Including a memorandum that discussed the guidance and provided contact information should you have any questions.

• Along with the email were attachments with the two court orders and four templates for declarations that should be used to replace affiliates at this time.

D.C. Courts Email sent on March 25, 2020

• DDS Customer Service 202-442-8686 or [email protected]

• DDS Deputy Winslow Woodland for DDA (with specific case questions) – 202-730-1618

• District’s COVID-19 Testing Triage Center Center– 1-855-363-0333 (Call to pre-register for testing)

• Additional testing information: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

• For other COVID-19 related questions: (202)576-1117 or [email protected].

Phone Numbers to Know


Resources for Providers

• To get up to date guidance on use of PPE’s at long-term care facilities, please refer to https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/health-notices(Last updated on 4/14/20)

• If you work in a facility with positive COVID cases, and do not have adequate PPEs to protect staff and others who are negative email Dr. Joel at [email protected]

• If you are supporting someone that requires less than social distancing, wear a higher level of PPE. Care supersedes social distancing.

*Wear cloth masks to Essential Businesses (i.e. grocery stores) even if you are feeling healthy.*

PPE and DC Health Guidance


For detailed guidance on use of Masks and PPE see: https://bit.ly/2Rmzti1


• Providers are referred to DC Health’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Administration (HEPRA) - 202-671-4222 for further PPE resources

• Providers must include details on back-up staffing and how to obtain personal protective equipment (PPEs) within their Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plans (CEPP).

• Sew and No-Sew Cloth Mask Instructions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

• COVID-19 Toolkit for DSP’s (videos):

https://bit.ly/3bV7jSQ

COVID Safety - Providers


• As part of screening measures, DDS recommends that service providers take the temperatures of people supported and all support staff daily. Additional guidance for providers specific to group home settings is forthcoming from DC Health.

• If someone you support is not feeling well or has a scheduled appointment with a doctor or specialist, please call the doctor before going into the office.

• If you go to the doctor’s office, wear cloth masks if possible, maintain Social Distancing, and wash hands for 20 seconds when home.

• The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html), the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses), as well as the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.



• If someone tests positive for COVID-19, DC Health is informed by the testing facility. Please see DC Health guidance for providers and persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 at https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/health-notices

• If someone tests positive for COVID-19, ensure that a an Reportable Incident (RI) is entered into MCIS. If a person is hospitalized, ensure that a Serious Reportable Incident is entered into MCIS, per the guidelines released by DDS.

• To conserve PPE, follow the guidance here https://dchealth.dc.gov/publication/march-26-2020-covid-19-dc-health-guidance-conservation-personal-protective-equipment


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• If you have any specific questions about DC Health or DHCF requirements, please contact Winslow Woodland [email protected] or 202-730-1618.

• PCR will be suspended through the month of April and will be suspended as needed as long as a public health emergency exists.

• Active Treatment Services can continue as standard operation.

General Operations– Providers

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• Providers are encouraged to assist staff in meeting transportation needs by referencing: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Covid-19-Public-Information.cfm#main-content other train and bus notices here https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2020/03/local-and-regional-transit-services-adjust-to-coronavirus-presence

• For people supported who are enrolled in MetroAccess, Transport DC can be used for $5 until the end of April for grocery store runs--$5 each way. Call 1-844-322-7732 to set up trips. NOTE: Companions are allowed at no additional cost https://dfhv.dc.gov/service/transport-dc

General Operations– Providers


• Feelings and thoughts must be heard! People served should check in with each other regularly. Always include people supported by DDS in decision-making.

• Going outside for walks and other recreational activities (no team sports) is encouraged. Maintain Social Distancing and hand washing. https://dpr.dc.gov/page/dpr-covid-19-operating-status

• Reach out to your community for activity ideas and ways to connect. Some suggestions here—scroll to middle of page for spreadsheet (updated daily): https://ddc.dc.gov/page/dc-dd-councils-covid-19-information-page

Important Reminders


Resources for the Community

Stay at Home: Ordered by DC Mayor directing all District residents to stay at home except for essential activities, such as grocery shopping or obtaining medical care.

Quarantine: Ordered by DC Health in limited circumstances for people or groups who may or may not have COVID-19 symptoms and/or were potentially exposed to the virus.

Everyone is staying home. You did nothing wrong.Aside from designated Essential Business Staff, everyone is staying home. You did nothing wrong. Staying at home is to protect you, everyone we support, and staff. DDS appreciates that this is difficult, but it is important to stay home to prevent the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 from getting too high.

Stay at Home vs. Quarantine

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• If you or someone you know is feeling sick follow guidance:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html

• https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/1468491

• COVID-19 and coping with stress: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html or call DBH at 1-888-793-4357.

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COVID-19 Safety


Visit Federal Trade Commission:

Englishhttps://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

Spanishhttps://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#crnt&panel1-1

COVID-19 Related Scams


• Charting the LifeCourse Respite materials are meant to help caregivers and those who support them to:

o understand the meaning and importance of respite/short breaks,

o see real life examples, understand the possibilities and options that exist for respite, within and outside the formal, paid service system, and

o create a successful plan that uses these short breaks to enhance the lives of all family members.

Resource for Families

• Providers please share with people in natural home settings: http://www.lifecoursetools.com/respite


SSDI, SSI and Economic Impact Payments

Are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefit determinations still happening?Yes, please view https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability for more information. This is updated regularly. Includes mailing instructions. Hearings are being offered by phone.

Will people continue to receive their Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment? Yes, by mail or direct deposit depending on how the person has elected to receive payments. For more information visit https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/.


Can people who receive SSDI or SSI receive the Economic Impact Payment? Yes, the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 to generate $1,200 economic impact payments to Social Security beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.

Treasury, not Social Security, will make automatic payments to Social Security beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will receive these payments by direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their Social Security benefits.

What happens when people who receive SSDI or SSI receive the Economic Impact Payment? This payment will not be considered as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months. For updates, visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

SSDI, SSI and Economic Impact Payments

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• All expired driver’s licenses are good until May 15, 2020:

https://dmv.dc.gov/release/dc-dmv-service-update-march-25-2020

• 2019 taxes can be filed now, however the deadline to file has been extended to July 15, 2020. Follow https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus for more information.

• DDS distributed guidance for service providers about the 2020 Census. Please spread the word that the Census should be completed per household. Have until late CY2020 to complete online, by phone, or mail. For COVID-19 related updates, please visit https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/press-kits/covid-19.html

• DC Residents are encouraged to submit mail-in/absentee ballots for the June Primary and Special Elections for Ward 2. For November’s General Election instructions, follow https://www.dcboe.org/

Drivers’ Licenses, Taxes, Census, & Voting

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Rent and Mortgage Payments

Should people and providers continue to pay rent?Yes, residential providers with a human care agreement must pay the rent for people for whom DDS has made payment of local funds to them.

People who pay their own occupancy costs are also encouraged to continue to pay their rent if they can. They should remain aware of emergency legislation and tenant’s rights. Check here for updates:

– https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/consumer-protection-0

– https://ota.dc.gov/publication/covid-19-state-emergency-tenant-rightsservices


• Applications for SNAP are continuing, and all current SNAP recipients will be automatically re-certified during coronavirus (COVID-19), and all in-person interviews for new applicants have been waived.

• DC WIC and USDA are working quickly to ensure both new and current WIC families are able to receive program services and their WIC benefits during the COVID-19 emergency. DC WIC sites are providing all services, including certifications, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support over the phone.

Stay up to date with food access developments here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/food

SNAP, TANF and WIC Benefits

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Questions or Suggestions

Regarding this Communication:

Lee Anne BrantleyGrievance SpecialistProgram Accountability [email protected]

Emily OrnsteinProgram Development SpecialistState Office of Policy, Planning, and [email protected]

[email protected]

Regarding DDS or Provider Operations:


• DC Mayor Bowser’s Stay at Home Order is from April 1st until May 15th and is subject to change. Please keep in mind that there is no official end date to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• DDS anticipates an update from the Mayor’s Office a few days before April 24th regarding reopening standard operations.

• Please #stayhomedc until notified by Mayor Bowser or DDS.

Life After COVID-19

Community Forums every Friday from 10:00-11:00am

Provider Forums every Friday from 12:00-1:00pm

Thank you! Stay Safe!

As our community responds to this global pandemic, remember we are all

in this together.
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covid-19 responses...aviva romm, md heading reads, "social distancing is a social responsibility"...

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