Decisions regarding the reopening of day programs will be based on four guiding decision factors.
Guidelines from state and local authorities, including Gov. Eric Holcomb
Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The needs, risk factors and abilities of our participants and staff
Our available resources for PPE; staffing; training; and social distancing
Timeline
With these principles in mind, select staff will report to the Coldwater and Projects Drive buildings beginning May 26 to prepare for restoration of day services. The target date to begin a phased in reopening of Easterseals Arc day services is June 1. Please note that these dates are subject to change based on the guiding factors above.
General Operating Policies
No visitors will be allowed.
All staff and participants will be screened for symptoms, including temperature checks, upon arrival each day. Any staff or participant with symptoms will be sent home and instructed to contact their health care provider. Any staff or participant who becomes symptomatic during operating hours will remain in a designated isolation area until they can go home.
All guidelines for appropriate PPE for staff and participants will be followed, including face masks for all.
Day Service Operating Policies
Hours will be modified to 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Easterseals Arc may recommend that high-risk participants continue to shelter in place rather than attend day services. High-risk participants include those who are 60 or older or have chronic medical conditions, and each individual will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Groups will be limited to four participants and one staff per work area/classroom to ensure minimum of 6-foot spacing for social distancing.
All classrooms/areas will be disinfected before and after operating hours. High touch areas also will be disinfected every 2 hours throughout the day.
Community-based outings remain suspended until further notice.
The respite house will reopen June 1 with new procedures and capacity limited to no more than four individuals. For information on the respite house, contact Ashley Bouthot at abouthot@esarc.org.
The summer Dream Teens program will be offered in a virtual format this year. Click here to register or contact Lucas Crager at lcrager@esarc.org for more information.
Messages from Our CEO/President
If you would like to support Easterseals Arc's ongoing services during the COVD-19 crisis, click below to donate.
Family Members Say 'Thank You'
Our staff are providing essential services, and family members of our participants shared their gratitude in these video messages:
Guidance from BDDS
For additional information on the COVID-19 coronavirus situation, The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services has posted guidance for families and self-advocates, as well as service providers, case managers, and visitors on the BDDS website at https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/5755.htm
If You Are Sick
Stay home if you are sick!
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor’s office for advice on testing and treatment.
Staff with Easterseals Arc’s health insurance can use the Call-A-Doc service.
There is a lot of information being shared regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). As we review and revise our plans and policies, we turn to reliable and up-to-date sources:
Our Annual Recognition Celebration, which highlights outstanding achievements of the individuals we serve and our dedicated staff, has been canceled. Although we were not able to celebrate together at an event, we have selected outstanding participants and staff to honor for their accomplishments in 2019.
