Our top priority at ASI is the health, well-being, and safety of our students, individuals and staff. We have closely monitored the COVID-19 pandemic, state guidance and regulations, and will continue to do so as restrictions are lifted. Governor Cuomo has announced that the state of emergency that was in effect during the COVID-19 public health emergency has come to an end. And while this does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat, it does mean that many of the emergency measures issued by the state and its agencies, including OPWDD, are no longer in effect. Therefore, as of July 7, 2021, the agency’s Re-Opening and Response Plan is no longer in effect.
Resources for Families
Social Stories
- Social Story about Wearing Masks (pdf)
- Social Story about Distance Learning (pdf)
- Social Story about Distance Learning (powerpoint)
- Social Story about COVID-19 school closure
- Overview of COVID-19 describes what COVID-19 is and how to protect yourself and can be used to help your loved one make sense of what is happening in the world right now.
- Staying Home for Now can help you explain to your loved one why it is important to stay at home during this crisis.
Useful Links
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/
- Department of Health: https://www.health.ny.gov/
- Erie County Department of Health: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=coronavirus
- New York State Education: http://www.nysed.gov/
- Office for People With Developmental Disabilities: https://opwdd.ny.gov/
- American Sign Language videos from the CDC regarding COIVD-19: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvrp9iOILTQatwnqm61jqFrsfUB4RKh6J
- Find NYS Hot Spot Zones by Address
https://covidhotspotlookup.health.ny.gov/#/home
Feeling Stressed?
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations like COVID-19. You may feel anxious, mad, sad, or overwhelmed. Find ways you and your family can reduce stress.
- Learn the common signs of stress.
- Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
- Talk with family and friends by phone, text, or email.
- If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Learn more about stress and coping during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.
Questions? Contact our Crisis Management Team
If you have specific questions, please call 631-5777 x 380 and leave a message or email us.