Coronavirus Resources

Even during these uncertain times, you can always count on Easterseals. In an effort to support our families, our Community Outreach Program still is able to share important community resources that may help you through this trying time.  The Case Managers in the Easterseals Caregiver Resource Center are here to ease your mind and answer your caregiving questions.  You can reach us by calling 302-221-2087. You also can email our general email mailbox (contact@esdel.org) as it is monitored daily.  Here are some resources to help get you through - check back often, as we’re continually updating this list!

Respite grants are still available and our staff will work with you to help figure out respite options.  Click here to learn about our respite programs, which could allow you to take a much needed break during this stressful time.
Take a tour of our Resource Center from your living room and let us know if you have questions about assistive devices or equipment that may be helpful to you or your loved one.    

Click on the links below to jump to the section you're looking for!

General Resources label

Photo of grocery store To find information on grocery stores’ locations and hours, food assistance, crisis services, click here.
Debt can take a toll on anyone's mental health - learn how to cope with the money mental stress here.

Delaware ASSIST logoThe Delaware ASSIST program can help streamline applications for multiple programs offered in Delaware such as Long Term Care, Child Care, cash assistance, LIHEAP & so many more. Click here for more info.

Coronavirus germ smilingCommunicating what's going on to kids is crucial - here are some tools!
Click here
for tips for talking to your kids about the coronavirus and so much more.
BrainPop explains explains coronavirus to children, including videos and quizzes.
Support your children’s emotional well-being during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Autism Little Learners has been writing stories to help children understand why they have to wear a mask at school, why schools are cancelled and other topics to help children.

House with a heart in itThe Joseph House in Salisbury, MD offers a food pantry, hospitality room and financial assistance.

Icon showing laptop and coronavirus germHere's some good general information on coronavirus in Delaware, and a link here for Maryland.
Get to know your communication rights with the COVID-19 Communication Rights Toolkit!
Get the latest facts/resources from Delaware 2-1-1 and Maryland 2-1-1. If you're a person with a hearing impairment with questions about the coronavirus, call 7-1-1 on Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, or Sat-Sun 8am-5pm.
Here's what seniors and people with disabilities need to know about the coronavirus
This video series, in English and Spanish, provides useful information about COVID-19 from self-advocates.
This video can help explain in terms children with autism can understand the need to wear masks.
Coverage to Care (C2C) has released new resources on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and health coverage for you and your family.

VaccinesHere's where you can find information about Delaware's COVID vaccine rollout, and here for Maryland's COVID vaccine plan.
Click here for a useful social story to help those with autism and other intellecutal disabilities learn about the COVID vaccine!

Nutrition Label

school food
For Delaware Food Bank by county, click here.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal food program that is designed to improve the health of senior citizens. Find out more here.

food bankMaryland’s Food Banks can be found here.
The Halo Café in Salisbury is serving bagged meals to the community every day. The hours are as follows: Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., Lunch: Noon – 1p.m. Dinner: 6– 7 p.m.

Label that says housing and utilities assistance

Wifi icon
Help seniors stay connected with low cost internet. Find 7 sources in this article.
Here’s your guide to low-income internet options and affordable internet plans.
If you do not have any sort of screen (computer or phone with face time) OR you are not able to pay for minutes/phone bill given employment issues resulting from COVID-19, PLEASE let your pediatrician know and/or your Family-to-Family Health Information Center. There may be ways to help pay for phones when they are necessary lifelines for medical care in this time of crisis.

Lightbulb iconConcerned about how to pay your electric bill with Delmarva? Click here.
To assist Delawareans facing financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis, DSHA has created the Delaware Housing Assistance Program.

Label that says resources for accessibility

Hand holding mobile phone with appsHere's a great roundup of helpful apps for mobile devices to make them more user-friendly for those with hearing impairments!
Here's a tip sheet to provide access through sign language, text for low vision, and tactile communicators during the coronavirus pandemic.
Keep these precautions in mind for wheelchair and assistive technology users during the COVID-19 crisis.
Here is a video series to help people who speak sign language navigate the coronavirus. 
Here are some suggestions with support for kids with ADHD during the coronavirus crisis.
The National Association of the Deaf has developed guidelines for deaf or hard of hearing people and their healthcare providers to reference during this pandemic.
Apple has increased accessibility on their devices.
This article helps guide seniors through the world of technology.
Apraxia Kids has prepared a resource list for families affected by COVID-19.
Here's a comprehensive roundup of COVID-19 resources broken out by different types of accessibility - including Braille, ASL, and more.

Caregiver Resources Label

Photo of teaSometimes it is hard to get away, especially right now. Here are 10 ways for caregivers to “escape” while in place.
Find resources to help Direct Support Professionals take care of themselves during the crisis.
Speak kindly to yourself as a caregiver, find out how to reduce caregiver stress with positive self-talk.
Find healthy and effective ways to respond when you are facing caregiver criticism.
Stave of compassion fatigue and burnout with these eight tips for caregivers.
The Virtual Hope Box is a free smartphone app that's been proven to help reduce caregiver stress in those caring for seniors.

Adult woman and her senior momIt can be difficult to leave your adult child, parent or adult loved one in the care of someone else. Here are 6 tips to making it a smooth transition.
Also, check out this Parent/Caregiver Guide to help your family cope with the coronavirus disease.
Find tips here for caregivers of those with dementia.
Set your mind at ease with this free Senior Call Check service for Maryland residents.
Here are four tips to help caregivers cope when someone with Alzheimer’s is repeating themselves.
This document covers frequently asked questions by guardians during the COVID-19 crisis.
Check out this article to see why it's good to find the humor in caregiving!
Alzheimer's Foundation of America is hosting family caregiver meetings. For more information, click here.
Time is critical when responding to a stroke - learn the signs to watch out for here.

Stressed caregiverCaregiving can be an emotional journey. This article will help you identify your feelings and help you manage them.
Mental Health America (MHA) is offering virtual support groups for those living with depression and anxiety. For questions, email Rochelle (rbalan@mhainde.org) or call Shynia (302-597-8130).
Find more information and resources from MHA here about maintaining your mental health during this crisis.
This article provides 8 mental health tips for caregivers.
The Never Alone Project is providing support to seniors and people with disabilities who are feeling isolated due to COVID-19 and other life factors.
This article provides three ways to prevent caregiver stress and burnout.
Many parents are wondering how they’re going to make it all work with remote learning. This article gives some advice on setting priorities for this school year.

MeditationCalm is great free app you can download to your phone to help manage stress. Find music, meditation, books and more to help set your mind at ease.
Psychologists offer insights on how to separate yourself from others, while still getting the social support you need.
Read this to see how mindfulness can help during stressful times.
Find a plethora of free YMCA classes to stay fit or unwind.
Find mindfulness techniques for children and youth to help them cope.

Phone iconJewish Family Services of Delaware is offering an OnCall service. It is a free and confidential emotional support hotline - call 302-781-4537.
Plan ahead for any emergency. Give 9-1-1 the information they need to help you fast by setting up a Smart911 profile. You can add medical info, family member info, pet info, etc. This is great in case of a fire or other emergency.
ContactLifeline, Inc. offers crisis hotline services to the public free of charge. Please contact them if you need help at 1-800-262-9800.
For those feeling stressed, Aquila of Delaware recently launched an emotional support line staffed by clinicians and peer supports. Call (302) 266-2556 anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 
If you or a loved one is experiencing an acute mental health or substance abuse issue, please call the Delaware Behavioral Health Crisis Service hotline. In New Castle County, call (800) 652-2929.
The Wilmington VA is now offering veterans access to mental health support at home.
NAMI Delaware is offering virtual family support groups for family members and loved ones of individuals with a mental health condition offered via Zoom.

child with down syndromeBetter understand the COVID-19 impact on the Down syndrome community with this Q&A document brought to you by a collaboration of organizations.
Learn what parents need to know about medical rationing and disabilities written by a proud mom of a son with a disability. Here is another link discussing this topic.
Tips for Families: Receiving Early Intervention Services Through the Phone, Tablet, or Computer
Here are some ideas for helping a child with autism cope during this crisis. More information can be found here to support individuals with autism!
ECTA is seeking to help support children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here's what people with Spina Bifida need to know about COVID-19.
Family Positive Behavior Support Resources has expanded their typical in-school supports to support families as they suddenly becoming full-time stay-at-home and work-at-home parents. 
Teletherapy is new for all of us. This article, written by a speech language pathologist, will help parents navigate this new path with their children.
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware has provided a week’s worth of activities to keep you connected, fit and eating well. See the full list here.
Project Connect is a new 24-hour support line for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers that offers support, guidance, and referrals.

Label that says entertainment and learning links

Audiobooks, Ebooks, and More

Child with headphones onLooking for something to take your mind off of the current climate? Check out these free audiobooks, or you can check out ebooks or audiobooks from the Delaware library site.
Ebsco and TumbleBookLibrary are offering free subscriptions for a limited time.
You must have a library card for all of these. Right now you can get a library card online by clicking here.
Read some great stories & watch some short videos about the adventures of Pip the Beach Cat, a great friend to Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore!
Enjoy story time from space!
Listen to some of your favorite celebrities reading books.

Virtual Learning Sites

Dad and child learning onlineMystery Science offers free popular science lessons to help your kids’ minds (and hands) busy.
Find tons of free coloring pages for your kids and adults here. Plus there are a ton of activity ideas!
Use Math Is Fun to get your child more involved with math!
ARIS Emergency Home Education Program - Educating and engaging children with autism or other special needs at home
i-Ready has printable at home activity packets for grades kindergarten through 8th.
PBS Learning Media also has packets for pre-k through third grade.
Find Free Social Emotional Learning Activities for elementary and middle school aged children.
Here is a list of 45 activity ideas for children with a developmental disability.
The Smithsonian Museum is offering resources, training, and support to assist caregivers, teachers, and students as they face new learning challenges.
Science Mom is offering engaging science activities for children of all ages.
Conservation in the Classroom brought to you by the World Wildlife Fund can help children explore nature from their own homes.
This directory will help you find activities for a baby, toddler, preschooler, or elementary age child.
Endless Learning Academy, an interactive education app, is great for younger children - and even better, it is friendly for children who are visually impaired!
Duolingo ABC is a downloadable app that is a fun, hands-on way for your child to learn to read! It's also friendly for children who are visually impaired.
Learn a language for free while having fun with Duolingo!
This article includes 5 resources for keeping children active at home.
In this article, find 5 resources for social-emotional learning at home.
Children (or adults) can explore the universe with NASA. This is offered in English and Spanish.
Have a minute? Explore Mars in one minute episodes which cover a variety of topics.

Virtual Tours & Live Cams

Tiger in zooIn a time when we can’t get out, here is a way to bring the outside to you!
Cape May County Park and Zoo is offering a daily virtual zoo school. They post each day at 11:30. Get up close and behind the scenes with the animals.
The San Diego Zoo is offering kids a “private tour” of the zoo through fun facts and videos.
Monterey Bay Aquarium has live cams offering a unique view. Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are.
Tune in to the Houston Zoo Webcams and enjoy a live look at animals that call the Houston Zoo home!
Check out live webcams of the Georgia Aquarium.
Experience a Polar Bear Virtual Field Trip.
Join the New England Aquarium for live presentations, new videos, and activities to try from home.
Explore offers a variety of live cams - under the water, a kitten rescue sanctuary, hummingbird feeder, and so much more.
Dive into questions about your favorite animals with a new kids video series from Shedd Aquarium.
These 12 famous museums from around the world offer virtual tours you can take on your couch.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is featuring live streams of exhibits like Blacktip Reef, and their new at-home activities page that includes word searches, coloring pages and recycled crafts.
Adventure Aquarium is offering fun and educational activities to learn and continue exploration of life underwater. Keep checking back for the latest family activity!
Mo Willems and the Kennedy Center teach kids to draw during Coronavirus Crisis in a series called Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems.
Explore NASA’s Langley Research Center in this virtual tour.
Find 13 virtual train rides from around the world that you can experience right now!
Here's an excellent roundup of some of the coolest field trips and museum experiences you can have right from home!

Local Activities, Now Online!

DE MD MapTake virtual tours of the Biggs Museum - the narrated segments offer insights into the displayed works.
The Delaware Museum of Natural History’s online videos explore scientific collections with museum curators, and offer behind the scenes looks at some of the exhibits.
Archives and collections are plentiful on Hagley’s website, giving visitors a good look into the past.
A symphony of birds will help take your mind off of a stressful situation.
Longwood Gardens is offering virtual tours for varying grade levels.
The Delaware Museum of Natural History is featuring artwork from Newark High School art students in an exhibit titled “Art of the Butterfly.” We are lucky enough to see the online exhibit.
There is tons to do at the Delaware Libraries - they have shared their calendars for everyone to enjoy at home.

Entertainment for Adults & Seniors

Senior woman knittingMaria’s Place is offering 50% off the first two months of activity boxes for seniors. They also have many free activities to explore!
Find free large print puzzles on a variety of topics.
Stay in shape with a series of fitness videos led by six Special Olympics athletes and featuring WWE star Becky Lynch that are designed to get people with disabilities moving, all from home.
The New Castle County, DE Parks and Recreation Department is very excited to announce a brand-new online Happenings series: The Power of Nature!

 
Label that says Financial Resources

Dollar sign on blue backgroundUniversity of Delaware is offering a series to help people with disabilities and their caregivers achieve financial wellness. Learn more about the series being offered through Zoom this fall.
Check out this article to see how caregivers can maximize their tax deductions!


Label that says avoiding scams

Icon of criminal crossed outIt can be easy to fall prey to a scam. Here are a few sites that list the most popular scams or ways to figure out if something is a scam.
The U.S. Government has a site that lists a number of ways a person can be scammed, and how to report scammers.
The Office of the Attorney General site provides informtion on SSA scams - how to recognize them and how to keep yourself safe.
Here are some tips from the FTC specifically about avoiding coronavirus-related scams.
Think you're being scammed? Figure out if you may be by answering questions here.
Protect yourself from scammers - here are some simple tips.

Powered by Blackbaud
nonprofit software