COVID-19 SOUTHEASTERN SUPERHUB
(Download the easy-to-read/graphic-free version of the plain language summary above. This version is suggested for individuals who use screen readers.)
#CopingWithCovid Campaign
The CLD and the HDI-KY team held listening sessions with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and families throughout the Southeast. We heard from them that resources were a priority to remain healthy and resilient during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. We listened to the community's voices and created the #CopingWithCovid Campaign.
The campaign highlights the barriers to mental health and resilience for people with co-occurring (behavioral health and developmental disability) diagnoses while also lifting concrete, accessible tools and strategies for community members to employ as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Video One: You are not alone, your feelings are valid
Kayla Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican autistic lesbian with ADHD and a type 1 diabetic. Trained in the Bobby Dodd Institute Ambassador Program, the Georgia LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Program, and the My Voice My Participation, My Board Program to be a skilled advocate. Now Kayla is an Executive Advisory Board Member for the Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network (AWN). She wrote a chapter in the republished version of AWN’s Sincerely Your Autistic Child. She is also part of the US Alliance for Women Enabled International.
Resources
Video Two: Focuses on the COVID-19 experience of people with co-occurring (developmental disability and behavioral health) needs.
Breanna Kelly earned her bachelor's degrees in Exercise Science and Social Science from Florida State University. Her involvement with Best Buddies led her to Atlanta to complete a master's in social work at Georgia State University. Breanna is a former trainee of GaLEND, an interdisciplinary training program for future professionals, disability advocates, and family members housed in the Center for Leadership in Disability. Breanna later completed a master's in criminal justice and applied behavior analysis from Saint Joseph's University. Breanna is a licensed clinical social worker and board-certified behavior analyst. Breanna's areas of expertise include co-occurring diagnoses, crisis intervention, autism spectrum disorder, behavior intervention, skill development, and program development.
Resources
- I need a therapist guide
- Online “Open” Community Connection Session for Parents of Children/Teens/Young Adults
- https://fitness.crossoverhealth.com/classes/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables/shareable-resources-on-coping-with-covid-19
- COVID-19 Self-help Booklet Series
- Synergy Behavior Resources
Video Three: Focuses on the the mental health impacts of COVID-19 & how technology is used to stay connected
Andy Meredith and his mother Stephanie Meredith are featured in this video.
Resources
Mindfulness exercises:
Video Four: Recognizing the impact of trauma from COVID-19 as part of the path of recovery or part of processing and accepting those experiences
Amanda Platner, PsyD, ABPP, is the Director of Adult Programs at the Emory Autism Center and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Platner joined the EAC in the Summer of 2020. Before joining the EAC, Dr. Platner was a staff psychologist in the Behavioral Health Department at Franciscan Children's in Brighton, MA. She has an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and a graduate degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed two years of postdoctoral fellowship in autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental disorders at the Marcus Autism Center/Emory University and the MGH Lurie Center/Harvard University. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Platner works with individuals and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disorders and is particularly interested in intervention, assessment, and working with individuals with comorbid medical or mental health conditions.
Resources
Video Five: Discussion with self advocate, Mitchell Katz
Mitchell Katz is a non-profit marketing professional with Jewish Family & Career Services. He enjoys working with the marketing team at JF&CS and values his job. In his spare time, he has a passion for live music and has the good fortune of knowing a lot of local musicians in the Atlanta area. He is excited to be a part of this social media campaign and how it can help others cope with Covid-19.
Resources
Contact Us
Address
Center for Leadership in Disability
Urban Life Building
140 Decatur Street SE
Suite 140
Atlanta, GA 30303