Melwood is concerned about the impact COVID-19 will have on its employees, participants, families, and caregivers. Below are additional resources and information that will help people of all abilities understand what’s happening during this global pandemic and help guide where you can go for help.
WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?
Let’s Talk About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video (3.5 min)
The video uses a drawn Whiteboard technique to tell a social narrative. It was developed by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkZ23tDzN4c&feature=youtu.be
CDC American Sign Language COVID-19 Informational Videos
Five videos featuring a certified Deaf interpreter deal with managing COVID-19 at home, symptoms of the virus, prevention tips, risk factors, and what older adults need to know about COVID-19. Videos include closed captions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvrp9iOILTQatwnqm61jqFrsfUB4RKh6J
AVAILABLE RELIEF
Who is eligible for the one-time stimulus payment from the federal government through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act? Do I need to do anything to receive the benefit?
Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible and will not be required to file a return.
Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child. For more information, please visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know.
Information Regarding Quarantining, Self-Isolation, and Social Distancing
Tips for Working from Home
Exercising at Home
Mental Health Tips
Food and Grocery Delivery Services
Working from Home: Tips for Beginners
Because of the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, many individuals are now telecommuting or working remotely for the first time. This disruption to your normal routine can be very stressful. Unanticipated distractions can make productivity while working from home difficult.
Below are some tips that may help you adjust to working from home.
Stick as closely as possible to your normal routine. You may not be leaving the house but waking up at your usual time and completing your normal morning routine can help put you in the right mindset for work. This is especially important for families with children, as routines are important to the wellbeing of your kids.
Set time boundaries. Stick to your normal working hours if possible. Don’t work over your scheduled hours.
Have a designated space for work. Keep this space separate from where you spend your non-work time. A clean, organized workspace can promote productivity. For some, setting up a home workspace in a similar manner to their regular workspace can be helpful. This way, when the workday is done you can leave work behind by moving to a different area.
Discourage interruptions. Let family or housemates know when your work hours are and what your workspace will be. Noise-cancelling headphones can be helpful for tuning out distracting sounds.
Remember back to the good old days, when an announcement of “Extended Spring Break” would be cause for celebration? Remember back a month or two ago, when all you wished for was less rushing around and more quality time with the kids? Well, now many parents and caregivers are having different reactions, and are left scrambling thinking of what to do during this time. You’re not alone and we’ve got a few ideas:
Get creative. Do activities such as jigsaw puzzles, board games, painting, drawing, coloring, and crafting.
Watch a family friendly movie or play a fun video game together. This would also be a great time to watch old family videos. Organize your photos! Photo books (the modern version of scrap booking) can be created on-line and delivered to your home. Create vision boards as a family. Connecting with happier times is always good for our mental health.
Stay active. Take a walk, bike ride, or play a game of tag. Outside time and fresh air has huge physical and mental health benefits. Draw a picture and/or write encouraging messages or a friendly greeting with sidewalk chalk to neighbors.
Stay connected. But limit the amount of time spent on social media. Schedule set times to check in with your family, friends and neighbors. Grandparents can do regular video calls with the children and you can set up virtual play dates for your child using Zoom.
Take care of emotional health and well-being. Journaling is a good way for adolescents to process their feelings in this uncertain time. You can also set aside a time to talk as a family about how everyone is feeling and coping.
Make time for yourself. Set aside time for your own self-reflection, self-care, checking in with other parents for support.
Find child-friendly yoga poses and workouts on the YouTube kids app.
The Washington Post’s guide to “Parenting During Coronavirus” is filled with ideas, from lists of documentaries to watch with your kids, to great ideas like creating a movie with their iMovie app, stocking up on ingredients for kids to cook and bake, listening to audio books, and having sports competitions with siblings.
Explore Our Programs
Learn more about our efforts in support of our mission and vision.
