#WeAreEssential: Help Advocate for People with Disabilities

People who experience disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Arc needs your help advocating on behalf of the disability community. Find your legislators and tell them to include the disability community in the next COVID-19 Relief Bill .

Help is also needed to protect the rights of students with disabilities to receive an education. Use this form to urge Congress to say no to education waivers and to continue to educate students with disabilities during the pandemic . 
Know Medical Rights Related to COVID-19 Treatment

If you support or care for an individual who experiences a disability, it is important to know his/her medical rights. As COVID-19 cases increase, the U.S. medical system may face shortages in ventilators, hospital beds and medical equipment. There are concerns about how medical professionals will determine who will and who will not have access to life-saving treatment. Read Know Your Rights: COVID-19 & Your Right to Medical Treatment .
Food Boxes Available for Clients, Families

The Arc received a grant to provide food boxes to adults in the community who experience an intellectual and/or developmental disability and to families raising a child with a disability during the pandemic crisis. All requests will remain confidential. To request a food box, please call or text Jo Ann at 541-521-9304.
People with Disabilities to Receive Stimulus Payment

Today, the Social Security Administration announced that people who receive Social Security Insurance (SSI), including many people who experience disabilities, will receive their $1,200 stimulus checks automatically. SSI recipients with dependent children should still use the Non-filer Tool to receive their check. To learn more, read Supplemental Security Income Recipients Will Receive Automatic COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments .
Bust Boredom with Fun Activities

Check out this list of 75 Stay-at-Home Activities The Arc U.S. compiled to help combat isolation and boredom while practicing physical distancing. There are fun ideas for crafts, cleaning, meditation, movement and civic engagement.
Earn $50 by Participating in Research Study

Youth and young adults (ages 14-24) who experience an intellectual disability (ID) and their parents or caregivers can each earn a $50 gift card by participating in a University of Oregon Research Study to help develop a tool to help diagnose mental health disorders among youth with ID.