Direct Supports and a New Normal
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routines and services as North Carolina has been under “Stay at Home” and “Safer at Home” orders. Many of the home and community supports that ASNC provides involve close contact and were disrupted. ASNC offices and programs closed to protect workers and participants while we worked with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the LME/MCOs to determine how to offer them safely. As the months have passed, we have learned more about COVID-19, put safeguards in place, and resumed services where possible. Here’s a snapshot of the new normal. • Community and in-home services have implemented screenings, protective measures, and modified activities and have adapted to different methods of service delivery based upon family needs and preference. If you have questions about supports, contact your ASNC services coordinator.
on our frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are sewing masks for our communities, keeping our stores stocked, helping you get your groceries to your car, keeping your stores and restaurants clean, ensuring your items are packaged and shipped.
• Facility-based programming such as adult day programs, social recreation, transition supports, and IGNITE, are being offered in-home (when possible), on a limited basis at facilities, and in some cases virtually via technology due to limits on the number of people who can gather at an indoor location. Daily screenings, protective measures, and adherence to the occupancy limits are mandatory. Some outdoor small group activities and meetups are resuming in settings where social distancing can occur.
Although these individuals are so excited to be working, many still need support to obtain and maintain these work opportunities. Some individuals were laid off due to COVID-19. Others found it difficult to transition to new guidelines imposed due to the pandemic or are facing changes to routines and policies in their jobs. ASNC employment specialists have been out there in the community, ensuring that each individual they serve has the greatest opportunity possible to be successful on a job they choose.
• Employment supports continues to work to match workers with jobs during this challenging time. ASNC was pleased to be able to help secure jobs for several adults during the early months of the pandemic. Daily screenings and protective measures are in place. (Read more below.) If you are interested in services, please contact your area ASNC services office www.autismsociety-nc.org/skill-building or your Autism Resource Specialist www.autismsociety-nc. org/resourcespecialists.
Employment Supports More Important Than Ever 2020 has brought a new year of challenges, including increased unemployment rates because of the pandemic. ASNC has continued to support individuals to maintain employment and has even continued to secure new job placements at a pace consistent with pre-COVID rates. Even during these unprecedented times, many individuals with autism continue to seek employment opportunities and are not only willing but eager to work. Individuals with autism are among some of the unacknowledged heroes working 8 • The Spectrum, Summer 2020
Ideas for Virtual Connections from IGNITE As the pandemic hit North Carolina, young adults in our IGNITE program working to increase their independence still needed support, but in-person group meetings had to be limited. IGNITE staff worked quickly to transition exercise, learning, and social groups to online offerings. Through virtual classes, the Davidson and Raleigh IGNITE members have been gathering, learning, and working together daily. The new method of interaction has helped form new connections across the state.
