Tempe understands that confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a serious concern. We are closely following reliable information to make appropriate, fact-based, timely decisions and recommendations. We know that many people with disabilities are at higher risk and that the disability community will be disproportionately affected by an outbreak. 

Cancellations and Postponements: As part of the citywide effort to reduce the possibility of spreading this infection, Strategic Management & Diversity Office/ADA will be canceling the April 6, 2020 Mayor’s Commission on Disability Concerns meeting. All ADA or disability related training from this office has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.  We are postponing the Tempe Mayor’s Disability awards until further notice. We hope to reschedule the event in the near future.  We apologize for any inconvenience. The health and safety of our community is our top priority. 

RESOURCES

Below is information that may be of interest for Disability Communities. These are from various organizations.  Knowledge is power. There are many things you can do to protect yourselves and help slow the spread of the virus. These guidelines are especially important if you are in a high-risk group. Take care of yourself and others. 

• Tax Relief Information 
• EEOC Issues Employer Guidance on Coronavirus and the ADA
• Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans With Disabilities Act (PDF)
• Partners in Preparedness website
• CDC
• Administration for Community Living

Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind

• Conference Call Captioning Services for the Hard of Hearing: Relay Conference Captioning (RCC), provided by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), is offering captioning services. If you are serving people with hearing loss for conference callings & virtual meetings, RCC is a good way to provide communication access. You do need to plan ahead because you have to register for the meeting/ event at least 48 hours ahead of time. Watch a short video.
• Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing's COVID-19 
• How do I schedule ASL, CART or DeafBlind Interpreters? Scheduling ASL-CART-DeafBlind Services 
• How can Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind communicate with medical staff? Guide
• DeafBlind Resources from AZ Center for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 information in ASL
• National Association of the Deaf  
• Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco

Neurodiversity and other abilities

• Plain Language information: Download this COVID-19 information booklet that uses plain language with pictures, created by the Green Mountain Self-Advocates organization.

Physical, Emotional and Mental Health Care

• Taking care of your emotional health
• Long Term or High Risk Health Issues information
• Arizona Health Care Cost containment System information on COVID-19:
• Are you feeling anxious or lonely? You don't have to feel alone. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone. Call the CRN Warm Lin at 602-347-1100. If you live outside of Maricopa County, you can still call and staff can transfer you to your local center. 

For COVID-19 updates

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted tips for communities at high risk for COVID-19 on the CDC website.