COVID-19 has been in Canada for some time now and the news and social media continue to report on its impact in every province. This website, focused on individuals with autism and intellectual disability, has compiled information and resources to support individuals and their families. Every child, youth and young adult needs support from parents or caregivers during times of stress and uncertainty, such as those we are experiencing right now with COVID-19. And parents and caregivers need support. We all need each other as we walk through these challenging days.
Those with autism and intellectual disability may be having an especially difficult time during these times. They may face concerns like everyone else, but may also encounter particular challenges related to understanding, communication, difficulty learning new terms or requirements, managing these challenges along with other health issues or concerns, and coping with changes in routine. These challenges can be even harder during a time like this.
It is important to respond to the unique needs of children, youth and adults by providing resources, support, and public health information. We hope the resources on this website are helpful.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ABOUT RESOURCES HAS BEEN COLLECTED FOR RAPID SHARING ON THIS WEBSITE. THE INFORMATION RELATED TO COVID-19 AND RESOURCES TO CANADIANS IS SHIFTING FREQUENTLY. PLEASE CHECK FOR RESOURCES IN YOUR AREA, AS WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION. WE WILL ATTEMPT TO UPDATE THIS SITE REGULARLY DURING THE PANDEMIC, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CONFIRM THE ACCURACY AND CURRENCY OF INFORMATION IN CONSIDERING AND ACCESSING RESOURCES.
Information from the Government of Canada about COVID-19:
The Government of Canada is focused on providing Canadians with current information on COVID 19. If you are interested in the Government of Canada’s most recent information, click on each of these topics to be redirected to the Government of Canada’s website:
Information from the Provinces and Territories:
If you are seeking information specific to your province or territory, select the provincial / territorial button. Here you will find:
- Provincial information links
- Current restrictions for each province/territory
- Provincial resource lists and help line information.
BRITISH COLUMBIA:
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Health Link BC provides a list of useful, trusted sources for British Columbians with health information and advice.http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/priority-populations/people-with-disabilities
- BC Centre for Disease Control provides information/resources related to people with disabilities and COVID/19
- http://www.bc211.ca/
- 211 BC is a helpline and online database of Alberta’s community and social services. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists.
ALBERTA
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Caregivers Alberta is here to support you through this difficult and uncertain time. We recognize that as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve that there can be heightened feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation. Caregivers Alberta is still open and we will continue to offer support to ALL Albertans through our Caregiver Support Line and online programming.
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://ab.211.ca/how-we-help/covid-19-resources/
- 211 Alberta is a helpline and online database of Alberta’s community and social services. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists.
- https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17038.aspx
- Alberta Health Services has gathered COVID-19 resources and translated them into 23 different languages.
SASKATCHEWAN
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Inclusion Saskatchewan has developed a COVID-19 Resource page to support those with intellectual disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/mental-health-and-covid-19#your-mental-wellness
- Government of Saskatchewan provides resources, tips, and ways to improve mental health during COVID-19
- https://sk.211.ca/
- 211 is a helpline and online database of Saskatchewan’s community and social services.
MANITOBA
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- This website provides mental health resources and information in Manitoba
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://mb.211.ca/
- 211 Manitoba is a searchable online database of government, health, and social services that are available across the province. They also have a specail COVID-19 resource section.
ONTARIO
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- School Mental Health Ontario provides information and resources on mental health for families
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://211ontario.ca/
- 211 Ontario is a helpline and online searchable database that assists residents of Ontario with finding programs and services in Ontario. They also have a special section related to COVID-19.
- https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/visiting-cheo/covid-19.aspx#Parenting-mental-health-and-wellness
- CHEO hospital provides COVID-19 resources for families and children and some resources are in different languages
QUEBEC
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Open school is a helpful resource for children to maintain learning at various different ages in Quebec
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https:qc.211.ca
- 211 Quebec provides a is a helpline and online searchable database that assists residents of Quebec with finding programs and services in Quebec.
- https://www.thechildren.com/health-info/conditions-and-illnesses/how-support-kids-mental-health-during-covid-19-pandemic
- Montreal Children’s hospital provides information on how to support children’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic including Quebec specific resources.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Newfoundland and Labrador Government provides document on information related to COVID-19 for people with disabilities
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/resources/easy-to-read-information/
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides Easy to Read information related to COVID-19
- Call 211 or 1-855-276-9072
- 211 NB is a free, bilingual, confidentifal resource to help New Brunswickers navigate the network of community, social, non- clinical health andd government services.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
- https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/covid19
- https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/pei-covid-19-case-data
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Resources for individuals and families during COVID-19 provided by PEI Government
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://pe.211.ca/
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides Easy to Read information related to COVID-19
NOVA SCOTIA
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Nova Scotia 211 allows families and individuals to search for specific services and programs in their community
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/docs/COVID-19-Responding-to-the-Needs-Scotians-with-Disabilities.pdf
- Government of Nova Scotia provides a document on how they are helping individuals with disabilities during COVID-19
- https://ns.211.ca/
-
- 211 NS is a 24/7 connection to programs and services in your community including local community groups, non-profits, and government departments across NS.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
- https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19.html
- https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus.html
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- New Brunswick has a community services database so people can access support related to health care, education, income support, mental health, and more
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/education/learning_at_home.html
- Government of New Brunswick has different learning resources for families and individuals
- Call 211 or 1 855-258-4126
- 211 NB is a free, bilingual, confidential resource to help New Brunswickers navigate the network of community, social, non- clinical health andd government services.
YUKON
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
- https://yukon.ca/en/covid-19-information
- https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-information/latest-updates-covid-19/orders-and-directions-covid-19
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
- https://yukon.ca/en/covid-19-information
- https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-information/latest-updates-covid-19/orders-and-directions-covid-19
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Government of Yukon shows tips when cleaning and disinfecting homes during COVID-19
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- Call 211 or 1888 342 1211
- 211 Yukon is a free , confidential resource connecting people to social services, community and government supports.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Northwest Territories provide a list of resources and contacts related to mental health
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/resources/supporting_your_child_with_complex_needs.pdf
- Government of Northwest Territories provides document on supporting children with complex needs and enhancing learning at home
- Call 211 or 1 867 988 6801
- 211 Northwest Territories is a free , confidential resource connecting people to social services, community and government supports.
NUNAVUT
Main Provincial COVID-19 Stats/Basic Information
- https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
- https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/news/covid-19-department-health-services-update
Current Restrictions in the Province/Territory
- https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
- https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/news/covid-19-department-health-services-update
Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
Description of Provincial/Territorial Resources related to COVID-19
- Government of Nunavut provides an infographic on the difference between self-monitoring and isolation
Provincial Resources for COVID-19
- https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/covid-19_and_isolation_-_eng.pdf
- Government of Nunavut provides an infographic on isolation during COVID-19
- Call 211 or 1 867 877 1040
- 211 Nunavut is a free , confidential resource connecting people to social services, community and government supports.