As a community, as we get through this time together but apart, below are some resources which we hope you will find useful. Please remember The Anne Sullivan Foundation are also here to support you and can be contacted at (01) 289 8339 or info@annesullivan.ie .
EASY TO READ DOCUMENTS
The Health Service Executive (HSE) recently sent a leaflet on COVID-19 to all households in Ireland. Since then a number of easy to read leaflets have been produced which may be easier for many people to access:
- Introduction to COVID-19 easy to read version from Inclusion Ireland:
easy-read-coronavirus-introduction.pdf - Full reference explaining COVID-19 in Ireland easy to read version from the HSE:
covid-19-information-booklet-easy-read-version-.pdf - Explanation for a person requiring COVID-19 testing easy to read version from the HSE:
guidance-for-testing-for-covid-19-in-disability-services-graphics-.pdf
SYMBOL SUPPORT
Widget have produced symbol-supported information sheets on hand-washing and personal hygiene. Click here to access these: washing-your-hands.pdf
Tobii Dynavox have produced picture and spelling communication boards to help communicate about COVID-19 with service users who use symbols. Click here to access these: Symbol_and_spelling_ boards
Tobii Dynavox are also offering 90-day free trials of Boardmaker Online to assist you in helping your students during this time. Click here for more information: Boardmaker-online
IRISH SIGN LANGUAGE
The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) have provided key COVID-19 information in Irish Sign Language. These include videos explaining the medical aspects of COVID-19, the new garda powers, and a message from the president. There is also a story, aimed at children, which would be useful for some of our Outreach clients. All videos can be accessed by clicking on this link: coronavirus-isl-support
Note: All Deaf people will have access to interpreting for their GP and testing and treatment appointments during the pandemic (not only those with Medical and GP cards). The HSE will allow remote to interpreting so that Interpreters can provide this service from any location on your device.
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Inclusion Ireland have produced a document with advice on supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Click here to access: covid-19-intellectual-disablity-policy-document
RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT
The Anne Sullivan Centre has produced guidance for staff working in residential centres with people who are deafblind and who have additional disabilities. Click here to access: Residential_support_for_people_who_are_deafblind
HOME BASED ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAFBLIND
The Anne Sullivan Foundation Outreach team have put together a list of activity ideas to keep you busy at home. Click here to read more: Home_based_activities
SUPPORT LINES
Anne Sullivan – While certain face-to-face services are affected by recent government advice during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff of The Anne Sullivan Centre and Foundation continue to be available for support by phone, email and online teleconferencing. To setup a meeting please contact (01) 289 8339 or info@annesullivan.ie
Community Call – Email/phone helplines are available for arranging collection and delivery of food, essential household items, fuel, medication, transport to community testing centres, clinical Assessment Hubs, GP and hospital appointments. There is a list of phone numbers and emails available for each county which can be accessed by clicking here: community_support_during_covid19.html
HSE Live – This phone line is available 8am to 8pm Mon to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday 1850 24 1850 for general queries but remember if it’s a health emergency call 112 or 999.
HSE Mental Health – Details on supports and services provided during COVID-19 can be accessed by clicking this link: Supports_and_services
SLIS – Deaf Irish Sign Language Users can get information about COVID-19 from 9am-7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday by using the Irish Remote Interpreting Service. The appointment can be booked either online at book-an-appointment or by email remote@slis.ie