COVID-19 Resources for Persons with Disabilities

Posted on Friday April 3, 2020

This is a worrisome time for all of us on a global scale right now. Amigo Mobility is closely monitoring the status of COVID-19 as the situation continues to evolve. We continue to remain open and manufacturing as an essential supplier, although the majority of our staff is working from home. To help we have put COVID-19 resources for persons with disabilities, and we recommend that you follow the protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Tips for Amigo Users

For Amigo or powered wheelchair users we also recommend following our tips to ensure your battery is in good working condition.

Just a reminder – your Amigo or other mobilization tool has touched everything your hands have touched. Keeping it clean and sanitized will help to ensure your health.

Think of your Amigo or mobilization tool like any other surface: avoid touching your face after using it
Wash your hands before you eat, this includes your Amigo or mobilization tool if using it to get from the sink to your eating space
Wipe the seat, oval handle and control levels with a mild antibacterial surface cleaner or wipes such as Clorox wipes after each use.
Be careful not to spray anything inside the enclosure on the sides of your Amigo where there are small openings.
Our service team recommends using Clorox Broad Spectrum, it is one of the more effective cleaners that is bleach and fragrance free.
Scott Shop Towels work well for wiping the cart down and can be disposed of after cleaning.

Creating your Household Plan

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) tells us that many states and communities are implementing action places to reduce exposure and slow the spread of the disease. If your state has not already done this, consider creating a household plan that can protect both your health and the health of those you love. Design your household plan around the needs and daily routines of all members of your household. It may be helpful to use CDC’s planning resources.

Mutual aid is the idea that community members can help take care of each other by sharing resources and skills, checking in on each other and providing reliable support structures, such as families and organizations. Mutual aid can prove to be even more essential for persons with disabilities. Lauren Cagle’s template for Creating a Mutual Aid Group will be a helpful starting point.

We encourage planning and making decisions now that will protect you and your family from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Household Plan Outline:

Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with warm water and soap
Cough into your elbow
Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose
Stay home unless for an essential reason
Stay home if you are sick, unless to get medical care
Review your family’s health – reach out to your doctor as needed
Plan for an extra 30 days of prescription medication if possible
Contact your social circle, and ensure you have a mutual aid plan in place
- Basic sanitation and hygiene items
- Basic first aid supplies and over-the-counter medications
- Well-working medical equipment
- Nonperishable or canned food
- Pet suppliesHave 30 days’ worth of basic supplies at home:
- Childcare and baby supplies
- Ensure your Amigo or powered wheelchair battery is charged and in good working order
Stay up to date with CDC health information
Put together a COVID-19 Emergency Plan
For persons with disabilities who will require outside help: determine who your caretakers will be and establish a routine plan with them to minimize both your and their exposure.

Guidance for Individuals at Higher Risk

Most cases of COVID-19 will result in mild illness, but individuals who are over 60 or have other health conditions will have a higher chance of becoming seriously ill. If you are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 it is important for you to take actions to reduce your risk.

Those at a higher risk include individuals over 60 years of age, and the risk continues to increase as age increases. Regardless of age, individuals with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases, and severely weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk. We recommend the following for those individuals:

Practice social distancing and avoid travel
Have supplies on hand
Take everyday preventive actions
Have a plan in place for if you get sick
- Consult with your healthcare provider for more information on monitoring your symptoms for COVID-19
- Stay in touch with others by email – ask for help only from designated caretakers in your preparedness plan
- Determine who will care for you if your caretaker falls ill
Watch for symptoms and warning signs
- Pay attention to potential COVID-19 symptoms: fever, cough, and difficulty breathing
- If you develop emergency warning signs, get attention immediately. In adults, warning signs include:
  - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  - Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  - New confusion or inability to arouse
  - Bluish lips or face

Face masks help stop the spread of COVID-19

What to Do if You Get Sick

Stay home; consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms
Tell them if you have or may have been exposed to COVID-19 and if you are a higher risk of serious illness.
Know when to get emergency help, call 911 if you have the emergency signs listed above

Essential Shopping Tips

The CDC has said that leaving your home for essential reasons like grocery shopping is okay, as long as individuals are maintaining a 6-foot distance. For individuals at a higher risk, some grocery stores have hours when they are open only to those individuals; find them here. To slow the spread of COVID-19, they have recommended having a 30-day supply of essentials on hand.

Nonperishable foods will be essential during this time. Here are some good tips to follow when shopping and how to make perishable foods last longer: