In response to COVID-19, the Department of Human Services and the Division of Developmental Disabilities have:

• created a resource guide to assist families in accessing programs and supports
• provided flexibility to families to quickly hire workers and worked closely with program providers and direct support professionals during the closure (see this webinar and slide deck for more information),
• released guidance on COVID-19 preparedness for individuals and families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and
• released guidance for community providers of services to the developmentally disabled on COVID-19 preparedness including screening guidelines for visitors and staff in residential settings to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

The Division of Developmental Disabilities regularly publishes information about COVID-19 cases including deaths and numbers of cases by county. That information along with the latest updates from the Division can be found on the Department of Human Services' COVID-19 Updates page.

Revised Guidance During Hospitalization

To better support individuals with disabilities during this public health crisis, in circumstances where support is essential, the Department of Health has made some accommodations during hospitalization.

• A designated healthy support person is permitted to be with an individual with a disability during hospitalization. The designated support person may be a family member, personal care assistant or another disability service provider.
• Healthy is defined as individuals with no signs of respiratory illness such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. They should not have had contact with anyone with or suspected of having COVID-19 or any respiratory illness and individuals should be wearing the appropriate protective equipment.

Additional Resources

Additional information and help can be obtained through the following channels:

• For general questions, residents can call 211
• For clinical questions, residents should call 1-800-962-1253 (This hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)
• For live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211
• To receive alerts on their phone, residents should text "NJCOVID" to 898-211

Additional resources can be found through local non-profits and advocacy organizations including:

• The N.J. Council on Developmental Disabilities
• Disability Rights New Jersey
• The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
• The ARC of New Jersey
• Autism New Jersey
• Mental Health Association in New Jersey

Source: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/news/press/2020/approved/20200318b.html| https://nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/resources/coronavirus.html; NJ Health Commissioner Persichilli's Remarks 5/7/20