Down Syndrome Indiana’s number one concern is the safety and health of the families we serve. Down Syndrome Indiana is committed to following the recommendations of health officials.
We are also committed to serving you and ensuring the continuity of operations of the organization. DSI will continue to operate during this time. Down Syndrome Indiana staff will continue to answer phones and respond to emails though most of us will be doing so remotely. We are still here for you.
COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Resource
Updated March 3, 2021
In December 2020, the CDC officially categorized people with Down syndrome as “high risk” for COVID-19, meaning that they have a higher likelihood of having more severe symptoms and sadly death. A few studies on COVID-19 underscore the risk to be especially acute in people with Down syndrome who are forty years old or older.
Down Syndrome Indiana, Inc. is proud to share the valuable, free COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Resource in English and Spanish published by GLOBAL and the national consortium. The Resource focuses on new and updated information specific to testing, vaccines, mental health, ways to stay safe, and advocacy in hospital settings and for appropriate care.
We strongly recommend you read through this important resource.
We applaud the national consortium of Down syndrome organizations for creating this important resource for community. Please remember we are here for you during this difficult time and do not hesitate to call or email. In the meantime, please stay healthy and be safe!
Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group – USA: Intellectual and Developmental Disability COVID-19 Vaccination Position Statement
Updated -January 5, 2021
COVID Medical Plus
COVID-19: Preparing for an Emergency
As the pandemic has worsened, a number of adults with disabilities and their families have been concerned that 1) health care providers could deny treatment such as ventilators to people with significant disabilities and medical histories, and 2) concerned that in the current climate of zero visitors in hospitals for adults, that someone who is nonverbal and/or developmentally delayed could be hospitalized without the comfort and communication provided by their parent or other primary caregiver.
These tools can help you prepare to cope with ER visits and hospitalizations calmly and effectively: Read more at https://dsindiana.org/2020/04/13/covid-19-preparing-for-an-emergency
Indiana’s Considerations for Learning and Safe Schools (IN-CLASS)
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) today released 2020-2021 school year COVID-19 reentry considerations. Indiana’s Considerations for Learning and Safe Schools (IN-CLASS) was developed in partnership with the Governor’s office, the Indiana State Department of Health, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, the Indiana High School Athletic Association, and IDOE’s Reentry Advisory Group, comprised of practitioners and professional organizations.
“The health and safety of Hoosier students, school staff, and communities is priority one. Providing students with a quality education is critical and therefore it is crucial we offer considerations focused on getting students back in the classroom in a safe manner,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick. “Considering the many unknowns associated with COVID-19, we also recognize the importance of alternative learning opportunities. We appreciate the thoughtful and collaborative spirit in which IN-CLASS was developed.”
To view the IN-CLASS reentry considerations, please visit: www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/news/june-5-class-document.pdf. For more information on IDOE’s commitment to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, including up-to-date resources, please visit: www.doe.in.gov/covid-19.
To view IN-CLASS in Spanish: spanish-in-class-covid-19-health-and-safety-considerations-for-indiana-schools-541.
Q&A on COVID-19 and Down Syndrome
Most people with Down syndrome ae at “high risk” for COVID-19 because of certain underlying medical conditions. Down Syndrome Indiana is proud to support GLOBAL and this IMPORTANT UPDATED Q&A about Down Syndrome & COVID-19.
This UPDATED Q&A includes important new resource links, information on returning to school, work and programs, and health outcomes for people with Down syndrome who have contracted COVID-19. We strongly recommend you read through this important resource and stay vigilant during this devastating pandemic.
We applaud the national consortium of Down syndrome organizations for creating this important resource for community. Please remember we are here for you during this difficult time and do not hesitate to call or email. In the meantime, please stay healthy and be safe!
DSI Ask The Expert COVID-19
Check out DSI’s newest Ask The Expert page on COVID-19 by Dr. Mary Ciccarelli with Center for Youth and Adults with Conditions of Childhood and Indiana University School of Medicine.
https://dsindiana.org/covid-19/
Indiana State Department of Health Updates
You can sign up for direct COVID-19 updates from the Indiana State Department of Health at: https://www.in.gov/isdh/28470.htm?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=0ea90536-6e01-4d43-9225-2a64d2a5948e. Their website is updated at 10:00am daily.
LuMind IDSC
LuMind IDSC Down Syndrome Foundation has a very informative video and additional resources available at: LuMind IDSC Down Syndrome Foundation
Social Stories
Knowing that people everywhere are concerned, the DS medical professionals are in depths of discussion about heightened risks of COVID 19 for our community. With our world in quarantine and change in schedules, children experience many additional issues including exacerbated behaviors and activity. To help children understand, this graphic might help caregivers address anxiety and help with understanding.