As the situation with COVID-19 continues to develop, we will continue to make decisions to protect the health and well-being of our staff, families, persons served and community partners while doing our part to prevent the spread of the virus. 
 
To ensure we play a constructive role by taking responsible actions guided by the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Missouri DHSS and local public health authorities, these are some of the steps our agency is taking:

• We are staying informed and healthy. Enhanced cleaning and social distancing are being practiced in the work place.
• The Supported Living program has developed a plan to ensure continuity of 24/7 care, but they are limiting visitors and access to community groups. 
• The Main Office is closed to the public. At this time, our staff will continue to conduct business from our office, however some staff may be working from home and face-to-face communication will be limited. Employees have been advised to consider alternative methods of conducting meetings. Group events and outside meetings have been cancelled, rescheduled or will be held virtually.
• Paperwork from families and providers can be deposited in the dropbox located in the circle drive outside the front entrance. 

We are proud of the work our employees do to keep each person we support healthy and active each and every day and stand ready to support our team throughout the coming months. We appreciate your understanding as we make any necessary adjustments to focus on the safety of the people we serve. 

COVID-19 RESOURCES

• Distance Learning Education and Advocacy Resource Guide for Families
• The School to Prison Pipeline:  Know Your Rights & Resource Guide for Parents & Advocates
• Missouri Department of Mental Health (MO-DMH) Self Care Resources and Disaster Distress Helpline
• Mental Health America and COVID-19 resources
• Click here for COVID-19 Information by and for people with disabilities. 
  Cómo Mantenerse Saludable de COVID-19 (Lenguaje sencillo)
• Click here for a Q &A regarding COVID-19 and Down Syndrome
• The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council worked with self-advocate Ivanova Smith to create “What in the World is Going On? Plain talk for Pandemic Times.”
  Booklet (PDF)
  YouTube Video
• 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).
• Click here for things to do during COVID-19 – for the disability community, or anyone!
• The Arc COVID-19 Resource Page
• 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 with closed captions.