Coronavirus Information

Community Access Unlimited – COVID-19 Community Resources

Community Access is committed to the safety, health and well-being of our staff and members. As the world community monitors the news about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure you that the administrative team at Community Access Unlimited is keeping up to date on the situation, listening to recommendations coming from appropriate authorities, and taking proactive steps to minimize disease transmission.

We want to take all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of our members, staff and the community.

Please call the CAU main office at (908)354-3040 to verify your upcoming event or meeting

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To Members, Families and Guardians

We hope this message finds you safe and well this season!

CAU is continuing to update this page with information and resources regarding COVID-19 and its impacts. For the most current information and updates regarding CAU procedures, please be sure to register for our newsletter on our homepage.

We want to let you know that CAU continues to follow regulations from DDD at our programs, and that all staff complete a screening and temperature check before they start their shifts. We continue to provide all of the personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies programs need to properly sanitize their spaces. Program heads will communicate any changes in services to families/members as we respond to the changing situation.

CAU has also offered COVID-19 testing, initial vaccine series and booster shots at clinics at the main office, and we will notify staff and members of any upcoming clinics.

While we continue to limit in-person gatherings, CAU is hosting virtual events to engage our members and community, such as our virtual production of Elf the Musical Jr. in December. We hope you will continue to connect with us virtually when we can’t meet in person for events.

Please feel free to contact your program director with any questions about your program. We are also here to answer any questions you may have about our services or support coordination. You can contact us via email at info@caunj.org, by phone at 908-354-3040, or by using the contact us form on our website.

Thank you,
Bernadette Griswold
Executive Director
Community Access Unlimited

NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities

Please check the latest announcements from DDD for updates regarding services and more. View the latest updates from DDD (scroll down to Developmental Disabilities section)

More DDD Resources:

NJ Department of Human Services

New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Info and Testing Centers

COVID 19-vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines also help children and adults from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19.

Third booster shots are approved for older U.S. children and all U.S. adults: CDC Booster Shot Guide

School and Children’s Programs Updates for New Jersey

All public school districts in New Jersey are expected to provide full-time, in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents or guardians are not able to opt children out of in-person instruction as allowed for the 2020-2021 school year.

Parents should contact their child’s school directly if they have questions, as some schools have switched to temporary remote learning due to COVID concerns.

From the NJ COVID-19 Information Hub:

Child care centers are open for all clients.

If you need help finding child care, contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency.

Early Intervention Services:

Click here for updates on Early Intervention Services for children in NJ

Vaccine Info for the Developmental Disabilities Community

The Boggs Center has created a vaccine fact sheet and social story to share information on the COVID-19 vaccine and why getting the vaccine is important

Green Mountain Self Advocates- Brochure by and for people with disabilities

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

Jewish Family Service Food Pantry

The food pantry is for anyone struggling to purchase food in Union County. Call 908-352-8375.

Child Mind Institute

Tips for Supporting Kids:

COVID Rental Assistance

Know Your Rights

Even during a national pandemic, Disability Rights NJ is fighting to ensure people with disabilities have the right to live, work, learn and access their community without discrimination or increased risks due to the COVID-19 virus.

World Institute on Disability

Information from the CDC:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

World Health Organization

 

COVID-19 Facts and Prevention

Definition: A respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

Transmission: The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Symptoms: Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure, and in some cases death.

Prevention: People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should: Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Proper Hand Washing: