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Families of children and adults with developmental disabilities face difficult situations and have hard decisions to make. Resources developed for families are designed to keep families informed and give them tools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

1. One tool that families may find helpful in explaining what is going on is the social story or social narrative. Social stories are visual representations that may help someone understand and better regulate their feelings and responses: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/about-us/resources/resource-social-stories-covid-19

2. The best preventative strategy for COVID-19 is to avoid exposure. Learn tips for families to protect you and your loved ones: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/about-us/resources/covid-19-information-for-families

3. COVID-19 is a new illness spreading around the world. Use this plain language document to explain what coronavirus is and ways to stay safe and healthy: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/about-us/resources/plain-language-information-on-covid-19

4. Because the developmental disabilities community is vulnerable to COVID-19 and depends on the support of family and DSPs, DODD will continue to provide updates about the latest information and respond to commonly asked questions: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/your-family/safety-security/resource-covid-19-family-faq

5. In a letter to Ohio families, Director Jeff Davis addresses resources regarding the ongoing COVID-19 state of emergency. Staying informed can help decrease the anxiety people may feel about COVID-19. Subscribe to Family Connection: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/about-us/communication/newsletters/newsletter-family-connection-COVID-update

6. In this critical time, everyone will be required to work collaboratively, operate differently, and be proactive to limit the spread of #COVID19. The DODD Statewide Support Teams map includes contact information for teams across Ohio to provide assistance: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/about-us/communication/news/news-dodd-support-teams

7. DODD has set up a dedicated web page for communications and helpful resources for people with disabilities, their families, service providers, direct support professionals, county boards of developmental disabilities, and the community at large: https://dodd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/dodd/about-us/our-programs/resource-dodd-covid-19-support

For specific questions about COVID-19 and additional information and resources, use the Ohio Department of Health call center. Call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634), or visit http://coronavirus.ohio.gov.

Stay health and stay safe folks.