Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are critical components of our state’s system of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These essential healthcare employees provide intimate care; They assist people with bathing, preparing and consuming their food, and provide emotional support. Many supported individuals are confused by the dramatic changes to their schedules, unable to work or attend meaningful day programs, are experiencing loneliness, and are unable to visit with their loved ones. With this in mind, DSPs are as vital as ever. People with I/DD who receive supports from DSPs have a range of abilities and needs, and many have pre-existing health conditions. Many live in congregate settings also known as Group Homes. The very nature of the setting and work makes social distancing difficult if not impossible. People are at serious risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. You may be surprised to learn Direct Support Professionals are not prioritized for Personal Protective Equipment, also known as PPE. Provider organizations and families are unable to obtain the PPE they need from their health departments despite repeated requests since available PPE is largely diverted to our hospitals and nursing homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending everyone in the United States wear cloth face masks in public settings such as pharmacies and grocery stores. The CDC suggests this new advice is primarily designed to reduce COVID-19 transmission from those who may be unaware they have the disease. Cloth masks are especially needed in our disability services environments when there is an absence of alternatives like true PPE. Cloth masks will provide a layer of protection for Direct Support Professionals and people with I/DD and also may be used to extend the life of the limited PPE their employers are able to obtain. We need your help! Please join our movement to protect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their Direct Support Professional caregivers. Tell them “We Got You Covered” through your support. “We Got You Covered” is a campaign to provide needed supplies to thousands of our fellow Marylanders with disabilities and the people who provide critical caregiving support every day, and to raise awareness of the issue. By donating to the “We Got You Covered” campaign, you can provide Direct Support Professionals and the people they support with the protection they need. How will your GoFundMe donation make an impact? $25 will allow you to adopt a family in your community. It will cover materials and delivery of 5 quality facemasks to a child or adult with I/DD and their family. $35 would provide 7-10 people, DSPs and individuals with disabilities, with high-quality masks, delivery included. $50 would allow you to "adopt a group home," which would provide 10-12 masks for residents of a supported house and the DSPs who work there. $100 will allow you to adopt a disability organization in your community. Please indicate in your comments, which organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities you would like to receive face masks! Any amount donated will make a difference!  Together we can help to make sure the thousands of men and women who devote their lives to helping others are covered in this unprecedented time. #WeAreEssential #SmallBusinessRelief Four members of The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition came together to create the statewide “We Got You Covered” campaign in fulfillment of our mission to ensure the rights and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities in Maryland. These four organizations are The Arc Maryland, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, People on the Go of Maryland, and Maryland Association of Community Services. Funds channeled through DD Coalition partner, The Arc Maryland, Inc, will be used to purchase and provide face masks to those in need in Maryland, consistent with our mission.  The Arc Maryland is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization -donations to which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Anonymous

Service Coordination, Inc

Fariborz Zarfeshan

Mike Miller

Tom Ditonto

Brenda Goldsmith

Patricia Saylor

Guy Guzzone

Harriet Goldman

Karen Latham

Liza Solomon

Elizabeth Greenland

Terry Wallis

Brian Cox

Protect Marylanders with IDD and their DSPs

Just $133$ to go! Make an impact.

Protect Marylanders with IDD and their DSPs

Just $133 to go!
Make an impact.