UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System Digital Newsletter

VOL 38 | NUM 2 2020

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System ( UAB-SCIMS ) provides Pushin ’ On twice annually as an informational resource for people with spinal cord injury ( SCI ).

UAB-SCIMS Program Director : Amie B McLain , MD Pushin ’ On Editor : Phil Klebine , MA

529 Spain Rehabilitation Center 1717 6th Avenue South Birmingham , AL 35233-7330 Phone : 205-934-3283 TDD : 205-934-4642 Fax : 205-975-4691 WWW . UAB . EDU / SCI

sciweb @ uab . edu / UABSCIMS / UABSCIMS / UABSCIMS

The contents of this publication were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability , Independent Living , and Rehabilitation Research ( NIDILRR grant number 90SI5019 ). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living ( ACL ), Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ). The contents of this publication do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR , ACL , HHS , and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government .

© 2029 University of Alabama Board of Trustees . The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides equal opportunity in education and employment .

The big news is , of course , COVID-19 . This issue of Pushin ’ On is a special issue with information to help people with spinal cord injury and other disabilities through the pandemic .

The Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities ( RTC : Rural ) has been working to share relevant research and information about how the COVID-19 pandemic is , and will continue , to impact people with disabilities . Here is what is available on COVID-19 .

• Skilled Nursing Facilities in Rural Communities : Opportunities for partnering on COVID-19 response efforts

• COVID-19 : An increased threat to people with disabilities living in rural institutions

• RTC : Rural research shows higher risks for rural people during COVID-19

• Recognizing people with disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic

The Administration for Community Living ( ACL ) offers a resource page , What Do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know About Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19 )? The page describes actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , frequently asked questions on several programs for older Americans , guidance on home and community based services and nursing home visitation , guidance for organizations to prepare for an outbreak , and a link to a Spanish-language version . ACL offers some additional things people with disabilities can do to prepare during the COVID-19 outbreak :

• Plan what you will do if you or your direct support provider gets sick . Create a contact list of family , friends , neighbors and local service agencies that can provide support in case you or your direct support provider becomes ill or unavailable .

• Plan at least two ways of communicating from home and work that can be used rapidly in an emergency ( e . g ., landline phone , cell phone , text-messaging , email ). Write down this information and keep it with you .

• Have enough household items and groceries so that you will be comfortable staying home for a few weeks , at least a 30-day supply of over the counter and prescription medicines and any medical equipment or supplies that you might need . Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill on prescription medications . Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider . Make a photocopy of prescriptions to have in an emergency situation

ACL also provides resources in other important areas .

• Staying Connected and Engaged

• Following your state ’ s guidance

• helping organizations that serve people with disabilities

• Protecting civil rights

• Protecting Personal Finances

• For Medicare , Medicaid , Social Security and SSI beneficiaries

• Resources for veterans