Although being 2+ years into the COVID-19 pandemic we have proven to be resilient! We have managed to keep our doors open, staff and all of our Members safe BUT we must remain diligent and aware of the rise in prevalence and transmission of COVID-19 due to the latest Omnicron variant.

We have updated our guidelines and protocols based on CDC recommendations - you can view the most recent version below.

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year when you get to relax and celebrate with your loved ones. However, when you have to travel for the holidays, it can add complications and stress to your trip. Things can be even more difficult if you have a child with special needs, due to increased planning and, sometimes, traveling with lots of specialized equipment.

However, traveling with children with special needs is possible, and these children deserve to travel and enjoy the holidays just as much as everyone else. That’s why we’ve written this article to help you prepare for your holiday travel by detailing some tips for families of children with special needs.

General Special Needs Travel Tips for the Holidays

A lot of your travel planning will depend on what type of transportation you’ll be taking—whether it’s a car, a plane, or another option. Each mode of transportation will have its own specific requirements and obstacles, but first, let’s focus on general travel tips that will apply no matter where you’re going or how you get there.

1. Talk to Your Child’s Doctor - One of the first things to do when planning a holiday trip with a special needs child is to talk to their doctor. Make sure that it is safe for your child to travel and that they have any medication they may need. 

 

1. Plan Ahead - The next thing you should do is to come up with a detailed plan as early as possible. This plan should include all of the different parts of your trip—including where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, etc.—what your child will need during each of these steps, how accessible everything will be for your child, and backup plans in case something goes wrong.

 

1. Make Sure Your Accommodations Are Prepared - After you’ve finished planning and it’s almost time to embark on your holiday trip, make sure that your accommodations are ready for your child with special needs. Whether you are staying with family, at a hotel, or somewhere else, it’s essential to reach out to make sure the space will be prepared for your child and their needs when you arrive.

 

1. Pack the Essentials - Packing for a holiday trip can sometimes be a pain, but it’s even more crucial for families with a special needs child. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pack and make a checklist so you don’t forget any of your child’s essential items—like medication, clothing, toys and games, and any special equipment they need.

 

1. Avoid Sensory Overload - Traveling can present many different situations, sights, and sounds that your child might not be familiar with. These can lead to sensory overload and cause your child to become distressed or lash out. Make sure you have the necessary tools to keep your child comfortable during the trip, such as headphones or earplugs to block out sounds, sunglasses to protect them from bright lights, their favorite blanket or pillow to soothe them, and any other items that you think would be helpful in your specific situation.

 

1. Keep Your Child Entertained - Perhaps one of the most important tips for traveling with your child is to keep them entertained. This will be instrumental in making sure they are comfortable, don’t suffer from sensory overload, and your trip goes as smoothly as possible. As mentioned earlier, make sure to bring their favorite toys or games, as well as other forms of entertainment like books, tablets, and music.

Tips for Traveling By Car

While traveling by car often takes longer, it can be the best option when traveling with a child with special needs. One of the main benefits of driving is that you are in control of your situation and you don’t have to worry about other people like you would on a plane. Here are some tips for holiday road trips with a special needs child:

1. Make Sure Your Car Is Safe and Ready for Your Child - When you are traveling for the holidays by car, one of the most important things to do is make sure that your car is safe and ready for your child. This includes making sure that any necessary car seats, harnesses, vests, or restraints are properly installed. You should also be sure the child locks are employed on the doors and windows, and that any special equipment is safely packed away where it won’t get loose. 

 

1. Plan for Plenty of Stops - Driving to your holiday destination provides you with the opportunity to stop whenever you want to. This can be fun to see different attractions along the way, and it also lets you give your child a break from traveling. You should plan to make plenty of stops on your trip so your child doesn’t feel stuck in the car, they can use the restroom, get some fresh air, and see some new sights.

Tips for Traveling By Plane

Depending on where you are traveling to, taking a flight may be the only way to get there or perhaps it is the most feasible option. While flying is normally the fastest way to travel, it presents its own unique obstacles when traveling with a child with special needs. Here are some tips to make your trip go smoothly:

1. Book Your Tickets Accordingly - When flying for the holidays, you should book your plane tickets according to your child’s needs. If you can, book extra seats so you can have the whole row to yourself. That may not be feasible, so try to choose your flights and seats based on what will work best for your child.

 

1. Prepare Your Child for What to Expect - If your child is old enough, have a discussion with them about what to expect at the airport, even if they have flown before. This will help prepare them for all of the experiences they will come across at the airport and limit the chance of surprises that startle them.

 

1. Get a Note from Your Child’s Doctor - Another useful tip is to get a note from your child’s doctor explaining your child’s condition. This will be incredibly helpful when dealing with TSA and your airline since you’ll have immediate proof to show that your child has special needs and may require extra assistance.

 

1. Reach Out to TSA Cares Ahead of Time - TSA Cares is a helpline that provides additional assistance to those with disabilities and special needs at the airport. You should reach out to them 72 hours before your flight departs to let them know about your situation and ask any questions you may have about what to expect at the airport. You can call them at (855) 787-2227 or fill out this online form to request assistance.

 

1. Call Your Airline 24 Hours Before Your Flight - Another call you should make before you head to the airport is to your airline 24 hours before your flight takes off. This is normally the time you can check in for your flight and it’s also when you can request bulkhead seating, which is the first row of seats in Coach. This varies between airlines, but will give you some extra room for your flight and keep you close to the exit.

 

1. Ask for Help at the Airport - Finally, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help at the airport or on your flight. Whether it’s at the check-in counter, the information desk, with TSA, or with the flight attendants, everyone is generally very accommodating and helpful if your child has special needs. Having the note from your child’s doctor will also ensure that you get help quickly and everyone understands your child’s specific condition.

Traveling for the holidays can be a giant undertaking on its own, but doing so with a child with special needs may seem nearly impossible. However, if you keep the tips in this article in mind, you’ll be able to travel to meet your family and friends, while also making sure your child remains as comfortable as possible the entire time.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. The Center supports young adults with varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, including those who may need assistance with ambulation and personal hygiene. 

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of children with special needs, consider applying to join our team as a Care Coach or even as the Executive Director. You can learn more about our Care Coach positions by visiting this link or applying directly online. For those interested in our Executive Director position, you can find more information about the position and application process here.

You can also find out how you can help us fulfill our mission and maintain a low enrollee-to-caretaker ratio by donating to our cause, exploring our events and campaigns, or contacting us to join as a community partner today!

Every parent takes steps to prepare their child for the return to school each year, which can be a complex task even under normal circumstances. Parents of children with special needs—who had to serve as teachers, therapists, and coaches during pandemic-related school closures—face an even more Herculean process. 

As schools reopen for in-person learning, many adults may be letting out a well-deserved sigh of relief. Nonetheless, it’s important to get organized well before the school year begins, particularly for parents of special needs students. Here are some key back-to-school tips. 
Organize Your Child’s IEP BinderFirst, assemble or update your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) binder. The IEP binder is an excellent tool for organizing your child’s records. Use it to store all documents related to special needs services and school policies. These include your child’s evaluations, progress, and sample work as well as your communications with school personnel. If you already have an IEP binder, be sure to update it, creating new sections related to any new classes, activities, or services. If you’re new to IEPs, read more tips for creating a binder. 

Discuss the Upcoming Year with Your ChildOne of the most important tips for back-to-school special needs parenting is mental preparation. As you address logistical considerations for their new school year, it will be beneficial to talk with your child about what the coming year will be like. This will help both of you to prepare for it mentally and get on the same page with regard to plans. In your conversations, be sure to do the following:

• Gauge how your child is feeling about the new school year. If he or she is apprehensive about anything, ask questions to determine the cause of anxiety. Reassure your child, let them know that other students may share the same feelings, and make plans to help mitigate back-to-school jitters ahead of time.

 

• Try to get your child excited about the new school year. If your child seems to feel indifferent about this, discuss enjoyable things to look forward to, such as new or continuing activities. The more positive your child’s general outlook is, the happier the start of the new school year will be for both of you.

 

• Discuss any changes. In order to help your child prepare emotionally and logistically for the year, be sure to discuss any changes in school, grade, transportation, rules, schedule, or extracurricular activities. Try to help them avoid confusion or anxiety; consider practice runs or pop quizzes to ensure they understand and are comfortable with these changes.

Purchase and Prepare School Clothes and SuppliesIt’s important to sort through your child’s clothes and supplies at least a few weeks before school starts, purchasing new ones as needed. Incorporate your child’s input as much as possible so that they are comfortable with the new additions. Remove outgrown or worn clothing and supplies to eliminate any confusion for your child about what to wear, bring, or use. This is a great time to organize their closets and other storage so they can find everything easily. Where applicable, help special needs children come up with a system for planning outfits each week.

Plan and Arrange TransportationOne of the most important back-to-school safety tips is to make, update, and confirm transportation plans for your child. Determine whether it’s best for your child to ride the school bus or be driven by yourself, a spouse, or another caregiver; decide how your child will get from Point A to Point B if a backup plan is needed. Communicate your plans to the school and any appointed drivers to help keep your child safe.

Schedule a Visit to Campus Before School StartsSchedule a visit to the school campus to familiarize yourself and your child with any new classrooms, lockers, facilities, or offices, particularly if they are attending a new school. This is also a good time to check that all anticipated accommodations are actually in place for them. If agreed-upon accommodations are missing or additional ones are needed, contact the school. You can prevent stress and confusion for both you and your child by ensuring that all needed items and services are in place before the start of classes.

Communicate Your Child’s Needs to Teachers and Service ProvidersAbove all else, every parent of a special needs child should communicate with school and services personnel well before the beginning of the year. This is true particularly if there are major updates to the IEP binder or to your child’s situation, and even more so if you are new to the IEP and associated procedures. Be sure to follow up on any staff recommendations from the previous spring. All of the above will help to ensure that everyone involved is up to speed with regard to your child’s needs, academic progress, and support programs. 
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Back-to-School Special Needs Resources for ParentsIf you’ve taken all of these steps in back-to-school preparation, congratulations—you and your child are well on your way to a successful new school year. You can consult additional resources that provide support for parents of special needs children throughout the year. If you live near Roanoke, Texas, you can also contact the New Transitions Center.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. The Center supports young adults with varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, including those who may need assistance with ambulation and personal hygiene. Find out how you can help us fulfill our mission and maintain a low member-to-direct care provider ratio by donating to our cause, exploring our events and campaigns, or contacting us to join as a community partner today!

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is someone who works directly with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Usually, DSPs offer specialized support aimed to help people realize their full potential. They help people with disabilities to become integrated and engaged in their community by assisting with everyday tasks, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, attending appointments, and running errands. Depending on the patient's condition, these support professionals may also administer medications, develop a behavioral management plan, and maintain medical records for the people they are attending to.

At The Center our DSP's are called "Care Coaches" as our focus is to develop independent living skills, encouraging agency for our Members.

In the past, DSPs were trained as caregivers. However, over the last few decades, the needs of those being served have evolved. Thus, the role of DSPs consequently began to change in order to adapt to the changing needs, and DSPs now take on different aspects and roles than those of caregivers. It is no longer about doing things for people, but about helping them to learn how to do things for themselves. 

The Difference Between a DSP and a Caregiver
Qualifications usually vary from state to state, but the primary role of a DSP is to provide support. This is different from caregiving or providing in-home healthcare. A caregiver or home health aide will do things for their clients, such as picking out and purchasing groceries. On the other hand, a DSP will work with people that they are supporting in order to help them do things on their own, like choosing their own groceries and paying the cashier. DSPs teach people with disabilities how to do things independently, whereas caregivers perform tasks for them. 

Skills That Make a Good DSP 
There are several different skills that define a good DSP, including:

• Calmness and Composure - Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can't always express themselves in ways that are easy to understand. It is therefore important for DSPs to remain calm and think through solutions even in stressful moments. Thus, DSPs are people with the ability to keep calm and composed in difficult situations that they face in their daily practices. 

 

• Dependability and Punctuality - Being on time is important both for co-workers and for the individuals that DSPs support. For most people, whether you have a disability or not, a routine is key to staying balanced and comfortable. 

 

• Adaptability - Two days in the life of a DSP are never the same. One day they may be teaching their clients how to manage their budget, and the next they might be volunteering with them. With different activities, there come different demands. Not only are DSPs expected to readjust to new activities and environments, but their client's moods and actions will likely fluctuate as well. After all, people with IDDs are human beings and they face good and bad days. DSPs need to adapt to the situation and their client's shifting behavior during the time they spend together. 

 

• Being Observant and Intuitive - DSPs are the frontline support for individuals and they should be able to tell when something isn't quite right. Even family members or doctors might not be able to notice when something is off, so it's important that DSPs are keyed into what is normal and abnormal for the people they support. 

 

• Compassion - Clients need to know their DSPs have their backs in any given situation. Without that trust, motivation declines, and the relationship will simply fall apart. With this in mind, DSPs must exercise empathy, kindness, and grace when spending time with their clients. DSPs are interested in making the lives of their companions better and need to show that commitment to helping others day in and day out. 

 

• Interpersonal Skills and a Strong Sense of Teamwork - Providing support for another person, sometimes around the clock, is a team-oriented task that requires a lot of coordination and flexibility. Being a DSP means being part of a team that must work smoothly and collaboratively. 

Direct Support Professional Duties and Responsibilities 
DSPs help individuals with IDDs by providing them with safe living environments, helping them with daily tasks, and teaching them life skills. Direct support professionals commonly help with the following tasks: 

• Keeping the patient safe from hazards. For instance, a DSP would keep sharp knives in locked drawers and store household cleaners in locked cabinets.
• Monitoring an individual’s behavior toward themselves and others, as well as maintaining patients' records of problems and progress. 
• Reporting any instances of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate authorities so that protective service specialists can investigate the situation if necessary. 
• Helping individuals with tasks like cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting, shopping, and managing money. 
• Teaching patients tasks that they can ultimately learn to do for themselves.

DSPs can work with adults as well as children. DSPs and the individuals with IDDs they support usually feel a great sense of accomplishment when an individual learns to complete a new task by themselves.  

How to Become a Direct Support Professional 
There are no formal requirements to become a direct support professional, though some training is needed. Many direct professional jobs require a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate and on-the-job training. Other positions require completion of a caregiver training program. Training programs, such as those offered by the Red Cross and local hospitals, help you study the basics of home-based care to gain the skills and qualifications you need to fulfill your responsibilities in this career. For someone to increase their job opportunities, they can obtain certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).  

Direct Support Professional Training Training and mentoring are necessary components to assist the DSP with tools and knowledge so they can support a person in the most successful way. Web-based training for DSPs is available in some states. The web-based courses and lessons usually lay the foundation of information that sets a standard of practices. However, the second component, mentoring, usually assists DSPs to transfer their training information and knowledge to the worksite and the individuals they support. Both training and mentoring work hand in hand.

Training and mentoring must include practical "how-to" skill-building. Training sessions involve lectures, discussions, and exercises. Mentoring involves a process of observation, practice, guided discussions, and a review of written materials, such as individual support plans and progress notes. These techniques are key components of ongoing training and mentoring. They assure that the DSP is truly able to apply his or her knowledge in an effective way during their jobs. 

Case Study Example In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Becca Meyers, a swimmer seen as a favorite to win gold, canceled her plans to compete in the Paralympics after being told that she can't be accompanied by her DSP to Tokyo. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) officials said that they didn't have space for her to bring an aide due to the coronavirus restrictions on athletic delegations. The Becca Meyers case shows how important DSPs are in helping their clients in their daily life activities. 
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New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. The Center supports young adults with varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, including those who may need assistance with ambulation and personal hygiene. Find out how you can help us fulfill our mission and maintain a low enrollee-to-caretaker ratio by donating to our cause, exploring our events and campaigns, or contacting us to join as a community partner today!

In response to the COVID-19 Delta Variant spreading, reopening of schools, and pending fall/winter flu season there is a concern to ensure safety and reduce exposure to primarily COVID-19. The below plans are in place at The Center, based on CDC Recommendations and local Health Department guidance.
 
The primary objective is to avoid temporary closure and prepare for contingencies if a Member or staff get sick from COVID-19 or the flu. These guidelines have been adapted due to the nature of our services and are to be adhered to by active Members, their immediate family and all staff.

• The below guidelines are current as of September 1, 2021 and in effect through Dec 31, 2021.
• They are subject to be changed or modified at the discretion of The Center leadership and Board of Directors.
• An attempt to notify Member parents and staff will be made to update any changes as soon as possible.

 
Vaccination Standards

• All Staff/Members are required to be fully vaccinated unless they have a medical condition preventing them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination as the COVID-19 vaccines protect people from getting infected and severely ill AND significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death.
• Proof of vaccination (date of last vaccination and type) is recorded on Staff/Member file.
• It is encouraged that all close family and household members of all Staff/Members are also vaccinated to limit exposure and transmission at home.
• For people who are vaccinated and still get infected (i.e., “breakthrough infections”), there remains a risk of transmission to others therefore we implement added precautions and best practices as stated below. Learn more about breakthrough infection risk HERE

 
First a few clarifications:
What is considered fully vaccinated?
An individual is considered “fully vaccinated” at 2 weeks from final vaccination injection (including third booster when available for COVID-19) and subsequent annual booster when available for either COVID-19 or Seasonal Influenza. It is expected after 2 weeks from vaccine that the immune system has developed an adequate response to preventing transmission and severe complications of COVID-19.
 
What is considered an exposure to COVID-19?
Close contact <6 feet apart and >15 minutes, with or without protection (ie face masks) with someone who has any of the below, whether you are fully immunized or not:

• Recently tested positive for COVID-19
• Displayed COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms regardless of if they have tested positive for COVID-19

 
What are the Symptoms of concern?
COVID-19 symptoms are of primary concern but signs of the Seasonal Flu are also of concern at The Center due to the impact on staffing. Major symptoms that present for both viruses include: Coughing, Fever >100 degrees F or Chills, Body Aches
 
What happens if a Member or Staff has tested positive for COVID-19? What are the self-quarantine guidelines?
The general rule of thumb is to remain isolated until 72 hrs has passed with no active symptoms OR until you have at least 1 Negative COVID-19 test. Below is the “window of exposure” and quarantine timeline we consider and adhere to for each exposure or positive COVID-19 test:

• Exposure Date is the day in which you were potentially exposed to COVID-19, this is within 2 days of symptoms beginning or within 2 days of testing positive.
• The Window of Exposure is the timeline for an opportunity of transmission. This window is considered to begin at the Exposure Date and extend up to +5 additional days. The Transmission Risk is high if the duration and extent of exposure is >15 min and < 6 ft apart at any point within the window of exposure.
• If a Staff/Member tests positive for COVID-19 the Self - Quarantine Timeline is to remain isolated:

 
UN- VACCINATED

• WITH OR WITHOUT SYMPTOMS: Remain isolated for at least 10 days from exposure date or until 72 hrs have passed with no symptoms AND at least a Negative COVID-19 test is required before returning to The Center.

FULLY VACCINATED

• WITHOUT SYMPTOMS: Exposure Risk level is taken into consideration but in general transmission risk is very low. Staff/Member attendance is allowed but with additional safety precautions required until a Negative COVID-19 test is confirmed. Additional safety precautions include 2x a day symptom checks, required mask wearing, eating, and drinking in isolation from other Staff/Members as well as added hand washing.
• WITH SYMPTOMS: Remain isolated until 72 hrs have passed with no symptoms AND a Negative COVID-19 test is required before returning to The Center.

 
*If within your household others may have tested positive for COVID-19 all household members should be symptoms free for 72 hrs before Staff/Members return to The Center. 
*For Staff - to support self-quarantine - PTO/Sick Time is applied if available.

What about if you are unsure about your risk of exposure as a Staff/Member? Do you still need to self-quarantine?
The medical community is constantly learning more about how COVID-19 is transmitted but it is important to recognize that individuals can transmit the virus and may be infectious even if they themselves are not showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Fully vaccinated individuals can still transmit the virus, although this is less common. It is also important to remember that the Flu virus is highly infectious and can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours which is why adhering to added precautions and best practices is recommended.
 
To ensure the safety of our community and avoid unnecessary closures we recommend that at least an at-home COVID-19 Rapid Test is taken if there is any concern – regardless of vaccination status. These can be purchased at local pharmacies for ~$24 and include 2 at-home tests. The results are available within 15 min and have a high confidence/reliability score to PCR-Lab Test results. Based on the at-home test results follow the above guidelines.
 
What qualifies as a negative COVID-19 Test?
A Negative COVID-19 test is considered a confirmed negative PCR-Test (lab test) or 2 consecutive at-home tests taken per instructions with both tests resulting as negative.  We expect that proof of test is communicated by providing either a screen shot of lab test or a picture of an home test.
 
Closure Disclaimer
The Center has a small but mighty team. If staff members are out sick, unable to work AND we cannot accommodate alternative staffing we may have to temporarily close or modify our services until staffing needs are resolved. We acknowledge that this is inconvenient especially if we are unable to provide advanced notice. We will try our best to build support for staffing such as volunteers and substitute part-time staff BUT we have financial limitations that restrict these options. In addition, if we have to temporarily close our services the duration and costs of closure may prevent our ability to successfully reopen. We are confident that if we maintain a common agreement on General Safety and Social Distancing Guidelines amongst staff and Members, we will stay healthy, safe, stable and remain open. Membership credits for temporary closures are at the discretion of the Executive Director.
 
NTC Community Safety and Social Distancing Guidelines for Staff, Members and Families
(Regardless of Vaccination Status)
 
We ask that our staff, active Members and their families in addition to the above adhere to the below safety and social distancing guidelines whenever possible:

• Get vaccinated and encourage those in your household and community to get vaccinated
• Continue to practice social distancing and reasonable precautions including: Wear a mask when outside of their home and unable to adhere to social distancing >6ft apart or indoors (does not need to be a medical grade mask)
• Encourage care givers to wear masks when in close proximity to Member, regardless of vaccination status
• Stay at least 6 feet away from people when outside of the home and avoid crowds of more than 10 people
• Limit activity outside of the home to essential activities (grocery shopping, pharmacy, medical appointment ect) and try to have a designated person in the home who conducts these activities, limiting them to 1x a week if possible.
• Practice frequent handwashing, throughout the day and especially before and after eating and after using the restroom
• Be diligent about your own personal health and adhere to reasonable precautions by do not attending our program if you have experienced any symptoms, do not feel well or someone in your immediate family has experienced any of the below symptoms:

-        Recent fever?
-        Recent coughing?
-        Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath?
 
*If a Member or Staff presents with any symptoms, we ask that The Center staff is notified ASAP so we may proceed with necessary precautions to maintain the safety of our staff and community. Staff are instructed to inform parents if there are any concerns or symptoms arise while at The Center.
 
Daily Arrival and Departure Protocol

• Handicap spot is for who is unloading, we will have a carpool style line. Staff will rotate helping with unloading. 
• Staff will meet clients in their car. Parents should unload individuals from vehicles. 
• Staff takes temperature at the car. If any signs or illness or temperature arise, they will be turned away from the program that day.
• As soon as a Member enters the building, hands will be washed or sanitized.  
• Departure will work the same. One loading at a time in the handicap spot.

 
Key Program Changes

• Staff will document their own and temperature and health screening questions (upon arrival) and any changes to temperature or health concerns daily
• Staff will document Member temperature and health screening questions (upon arrival) and any changes to temperature or health concerns daily
• Staff will wear masks throughout the workday
• Staff will support frequent handwashing of Members
• No program activities related to making food for consumption or cooking life skills
• Activities will be based off materials that do not need to be shared and each Member will have designated materials that will be isolated for their personal use
• Extra sanitizing on surface items used during the activity day
• No snack time
• At lunchtime Members will be reasonably physically separated
• Posters for handwashing and COVID-19 signs and symptoms will be posted for visual reminders and cues.

 
Sterilization Protocol - for Staff to Follow at The Center

1. Daily Space Sterilization
   1. Each morning and each afternoon the handrails, chairs, table surfaces, doorknobs, bathroom toilets, sinks and common areas of the facility space will be wiped down with high grade disinfectant.
   2. Supplies for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, including 60%-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS), tissues, no touch receptacles for disposal, and facemasks will be stocked and available for use by staff and Members
   3. Deep cleaning of entire space at least 2x a week

 

1. Member Sterilization
   1. Members will be required to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. They must wash their hands before and after eating and using the restroom.
   2. Staff will ensure that Members properly wash hands and monitor hygiene throughout the day.

 
References and Resources:
Tarrant County COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Link
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
Compass Pharmacy – The Center Partner for Reduced Flu Vaccine Rates and Resources Monica Boyd, PharmD
CVS Drive Thru Testing - Appointment Only
CDC - Coping with Stress
CDC - Symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19
CDC - Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection (Interim Guidance)
CDC - Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
CDC – Possibility of Breakthrough Infections

There are many different types of disorders, disabilities, and diseases that affect people and inhibit their ability to do certain things on their own. According to the CDC, 26% of adults (61 million people) in the United States have some kind of disability. When these disabilities require extra help, it is often referred to as having “special needs.” So, what are the different kinds of special needs?

• Behavioral/Emotional - Individuals with behavioral and emotional special needs may suffer from disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and more. These disorders affect how these individuals interact with other people and respond to what is happening in the environment around them.

 

• Developmental - Developmental special needs include disabilities like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, dyslexia, as well as other processing disorders. When someone suffers from one of these disorders, their development is delayed, stunted, or limited in some capacity that affects their ability to learn and grow.

 

• Physical - Physical special needs exist for individuals who have some type of physical limitation, disability, or disorder. This includes, but is not limited to, things like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic asthma, and multiple sclerosis. These disabilities limit the degree to which individuals can move or control different parts of their bodies.

 

• Sensory Impaired - There are also sensory impaired individuals with special needs, which includes the deaf, the hearing impaired, the blind, and the visually impaired. These individuals have lost total or partial use of one of their senses and often require assistance in their daily lives.

People with special needs often rely on their family and friends for assistance in their daily lives. However, not everyone is trained in the best practices for caring for an individual with special needs. Only being around family and close friends can also limit a person’s exposure to the outside world, new experiences, and interactions with people similar to themselves.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. Our model focuses on higher need, medically fragile individuals who we provide with the highest quality of care. We achieve this by maintaining a low staff-to-member ratio, with 1 person on staff for every 4 members. Find out how you can help our mission by donating or by contacting us to join us as a community partner!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a phrase that has become increasingly popular as our country works to become better for all who live here. This includes people who have been overlooked, under-resourced, and marginalized throughout history. By promoting DEI, we can work to improve the lives of these individuals and provide them with the necessary tools to thrive. So, what exactly do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean?

• Diversity - Diversity is the presence of things that are different from one another. This is expressed in many different ways, including through different races, ethnicities, languages, religions, ages, disabilities, sexual orientations, genders, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and more. Individuals with diverse backgrounds or who have disabilities have largely been underrepresented throughout history and our country is now working to change that.

 

• Equity - Equity involves trying to understand and give each person what they need in order for them to achieve an equal footing in life. This often involves providing resources and services that they have not had access to previously. Equity is similar to equality, but equality only works if everyone starts at the same place, which is not always the case. Equity focuses on helping people obtain what they need in order to get to a place where equality is possible. For example, for individuals with disabilities, equity would be helping them with things like specialized care, access to free medication, and assisted experiences so that they can do and see things that others can on their own.

 

• Inclusion - Inclusion focuses on involving everyone and making sure no one is excluded for reasons like their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, any disability they may have, or anything else that makes them different. It also is not simply about including diverse groups but making sure they feel welcomed and able to participate in decision-making, development opportunities, and other activities.

DEI is especially prevalent with younger generations who are shaping the future of the country. By celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and creating an inclusive society we can improve the lives of the millions of people who have been overlooked for too long. Everyone benefits when people have the opportunity to live full, meaningful, and enjoyable lives.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. The Center supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community of young adults with varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Find out how you can help our mission by donating or by contacting us to join us as a community partner!