COVID-19 Resources
Able SC works closely with health officials, government agencies, community partners, and the disability community to help consumers stay up-to-date on COVID-19.
We know that this is a difficult time for our community. We want you to know that we will get through it together. Able SC is in your corner. We make sure that your rights are protected. We make sure people at high risk for COVID-19 are treated as well as everyone else.
As always, we are committed to being here for our community.
If you have questions, please reach out at advocacy@able-sc.org or 803-779-5121. Email us at info@able-sc.org or call us at 803-779-5121 to get started with one-on-one services.
Office Safety Precautions
We at Able SC know that safety is important. We are taking care to protect you and our staff with the following:
- Social distancing - All staff and visitors must keep at least 6 feet between people at all times
- Temperature checks - All staff and visitors must take their temperature. If your temperature is above 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be asked to meet with us virtually instead
- Masks - All staff and visitors must wear a mask unless unable to wear a mask due to disability
- Limited In-Person Staff - We are limiting the number of people in the office at once. Staff members are working certain days in the office and certain days remotely.
Where We Stand:
Position Statement on Medical Rationing During a Pandemic
The lives of every person are equally valuable. Every measure must be taken to protect people with disabilities from the impacts COVID-19. Medical rationing that excludes people with disabilities from treatment is wrong. Medical rationing that discriminates against people with disabilities hurts the diversity of communities. COVID-19 can put pressure on medical resources. However, Able South Carolina reminds all decision-makers of the rights of people with disabilities no matter the context. Read our full statement and rationale.
Click Here For COVID-19 Resources By Topic Area:
Please be advised that as of 4/20/2022 several of our pages have been temporarily removed as we update the information to be as accurate and timely as possible. Please check back soon. If you need assistance please give us a call at 803-779-2121.
Note: We cannot guarantee full accessibility of all content from our external partners. However, if you have any issues understanding or accessing any of the information linked below, please give us a call at 803-779-5121 or email us at info@able-sc.org.
- COVID-19 Virus Basics
- COVID-19 Vaccines & Disability: Information & Resources
- COVID-19 Disability Form– fill out and share with your doctor when seeking medical treatment
- COVID-19 Protection
- COVID-19 Treatments
- COVID-19 Insurance, Prescription, and Medical Resources
- COVID-19 PCA Information
- COVID-19 & Domestic Violence
- COVID-19 & Employment
- COVID-19 & Mental Health
- FEMA Funeral Assistance
- Legal Resources
- Food Resources
Additional Information and Resources:
Able SC recommends that you take the steps necessary to protect yourself and follow the guidance from SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it is released. In addition to the steps needed to protect yourself from COVID-19, additional tips and information for people with disabilities are as follows:
Additional Tips/Information:
- People with disabilities have the same rights to services and healthcare as everyone else, including choosing who provides assistance with their individual needs. These rights remain the same during any public health emergency or declared pandemic. Contact Able SC if you need assistance with navigating any barriers with accessing treatment, testing, and home and community based services.
- During this rapidly changing situation, access to information is vital. Messages ranging from steps for prevention to news of community spread must be made accessible for everyone.
- People with and without disabilities must stay rooted in the facts. Minimizing the risks and inciting panic are equally damaging and distract from reasonable preparation. We are encouraging individuals to focus on the facts that are being issued by trusted sources, such as SC DHEC and CDC.
- Create a back-up plan if you require assistance with living independently and your supporters become ill, or if there are office closures. If you provide care to others, ensure that you also have a back-up plan.
- Review your plan for alternate transportation in the event of service interruptions. Public transportation, taxis, rideshare, and other transportation services are a lifeline for people with disabilities who do not drive.
- If self-quarantine is preferred or recommended, preparing to stay indoors for fourteen days may be outside of the norm for you. Contact your healthcare providers to discuss options for obtaining extended supplies of medical supplies and prescriptions. Stock up on other important supplies such as food, toilet paper, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies.
- Connect with your local service providers now to make a plan so you are prepared for any potential closures.
- Contact your health care and insurance providers to discuss your options for obtaining any extra medical supplies and prescriptions you need.
- With any illness, medical help will be critical. Seek treatment as needed, and call Able SC if you find yourself referred to an institution like a nursing home or other institutional settings. You have the right to decide where you live.
The disability community is a population that faces higher risk of negative health outcomes from COVID-19. Below are two great resources to read more on the considerations of those risks: ACL’s COVID-19 Statement and this Forbes Article on COVID-19 and People with Disabilities.
Able SC is here and ready to assist our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our offices at 803-779-5121 or by email at advocacy@able-sc.org.