Lessons Learned from COVID-19: How Developmental Services Adapts to Life After a Pandemic
Real Choice for People with Developmental/Intellectual Disability
SUMMARY
In March of 2020 Governor Sununu declared a state of emergency as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and enacted a statewide stay at home order. As a result, many community day program activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities changed drastically. Many were simply shut down while others were curtailed or changed significantly to ensure the safety of all involved. Service providers collaborated with Area Agencies and other service providers to adapt and alter services so that individuals could continue to participate as fully as possible in day program activities and so that agencies could continue to be funded and remain viable. Now, a year later, the pandemic continues to adversely affect all normal day to day operations and activities for all citizens. During this period, we have learned a great deal about how resilient people are and how good quality, person-centered services can continue to be provided despite public health restrictions; and that flexibility in service delivery can lead to positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Our purpose is to highlight the areas that have been effective and efficient for service delivery throughout COVID-19. The Appendix K and Guidance Memos from the Bureau of Developmental Services, in particular, provided regulatory relief so we could continue to provide services safely. What we have discovered in these past twelve months is that some of these service adjustments could point towards best practices and broader service options for the wide spectrum of individuals for whom we provide services. We are advocating for continued flexibility in service provision post pandemic so those to whom we provide services have additional options in the future.
