Easterseals Arc began administering COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals in group homes and supported living on Jan. 19. The vaccination clinic at the agency’s Coldwater Road headquarters is a pilot program for a state initiative to improve access to the vaccine for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here to read more.
Day Programs Reopening
Day programs began gradually reopening Jan. 4. However, we will continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and sanitize routinely. Capacity may still be limited.
Our Roadmap for Reopening
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
Easterseals Arc began a phased-in reopeing of day services on June 1. Services were closed again from Oct. 23 to Jan. 3.
General Operating Policies
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.
Anyone who is not an Easterseals Arc employee or participant is asked to limit visits as much as possible.
Those who must visit will check-in with the receptionist and complete a screening.
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.
All community-based experiences will be evaluated based on each participant's interest to ensure a person-centered and educational approach. To mitigate any risk of exposure during community outings, Easterseals Arc will ensure the proper protocols are in place and will continue to follow guidance set forth by local, state and federal officials.
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:
