COVID-19
The measures that are taken by virtually all countries in the world to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus is heavily affecting the lives of billions of citizens. Among these citizens that rely on assistive technology for their activities and participation are particularly affected: care and support services (for example AT services, special needs education, peer support groups, mobility services) are reduced or stopped at all, accessible information is not available, online participation in classroom activities is more difficult, continuous physical contact with assistive devices might hide additional infection risks, etc. etc.
Fortunately, there are many initiatives to re-organise services, using the internet and other communication networks, creating opportunities for people to get support and advice, share experiences and remain active participants in society, or even become more so than before. This is a challenge that we have to address together, learning from what others have developed or are recommending.
During the coming months AAATE will publish on this page resources that are relevant for assistive technology users and the people that support them. Other organisations are unlocking resources as well, but in our case, we want to focus on the resources that explicitly address barriers and opportunities related to Assistive Technology and Accessibility.
This effort is not based on a systematic collection of resources. Moreover, it is build on what we have received from AAATE member and other colleagues worldwide.
PLEASE CONTRIBUTE! by sending other resources to Valentini Papageorgiou.
Guidelines and Recommendations
General
- Disability considerations during the COVID-19, WHO Publication
- UNICEF COVID-19: Considerations for Children and Adults with Disabilities.
- International Disability Alliance COVID-19 Resources
- European Disability Forum COVID-19 Resources
Specific
COVID-19 and education: Use technology for a more inclusive
approach
- Covid-19 and education: Use technology for a more inclusive approach by Katerina Mavrou (AAATE president)
- Creative use of technology during Covid 19 pandemic, AT&ME
- Wheelchair and Assistive Technology Users: PRECAUTIONS for COVID-19 by Axelson, P.
- Washing hands Videos: Coronavirus – Recommendations for People with Disabilities, from Rede de Reabilitação Lucy Montoro (in Portuguese, including Sign Language interpretation).
- Original version, incl. audiodescription: Coronavírus : Recomendações para pessoas com deficência
- Version with English subtitles: Coronavirus – Recommendations for People with Disabilities
- Version with Spanish subtitles: Coronavirus – Recomendaciones para personas con discapacidad
- Key Terms Regarding Online Learning and Education Technology: A Resource for Educators and Parents During the COVID-19 Disruption, by National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Webinar: How is Covid-19 affecting Wheelchair Provision: People, Services & Industry? ( Password 7k$&#QB& needed so that link of the webinar can be viewed)
- Responding to Coronavirus, Assistive Technology for all.
Easy-to-Read, tools & other accessible format information
Covid-19 Accessible information
- COVID-19 Easy-to-Read Information by Inclusion Europe
- COVID-19: We do not afraid and we protect ourselves (in Greek)
- COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities, by Green Mountain Self-Advocates
- Information on COVID-19 in International Sign Language, Mill Neck
Communication Boards and Apps
- Key vocab and an explanation of Covid 19 for AAC users (Grid3* format), provided by Smartbox gridsets
- Covid-19 Comm-board (Grid3* format), provided by Smartbox gridsets
- What is COVID-19 (in Greek), provided by MK Prosopsis
- Grid3* format version: COVIDBOOK.gridset
- printable version: COVIBOOK_Grid3MKProsopsis.pdf
- COVID-19 Resources from ISAAC
- Useful apps for Children with ASD during COVID-19
- Captioning With Zoom Rooms, Zoom help center.
* The Grid3 communication software
Statements and Position Papers on COVID-19 and the situation for people with disabilities and older adults
- Preventing discrimination against people with disabilities in COVID-19 response, UN News
- The COVID-19 response must be disability inclusive, The Lancet Public Health 2020
- Statement from the President and Members of the National Executive Committee of the British Society of Gerontology on COVID-19
- Human Rights Based Approach Guideline on Disability Inclusion in Covid-19 Response, by the Pacific Disability Forum
- Disability, Access to Education and the Pandemic, by McCall, K.