The Coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 have disrupted lives. People with disabilities are facing unique barriers to their independence as they navigate changes caused by the pandemic. 

Shortly after Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order, CDChoices began to hear anecdotal stories of the challenges experienced by our Consumers and their home care employees. We suspected our Consumers had other needs and conducted a survey to assess barriers and challenges caused by the pandemic. 

Consumers reported difficulty or inability to find essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol. PPE is essential for home care users because it ensures health and safety of people who are at high risk of COVID-19 and the dedicated home care workers they employ. 

Thanks to a partnership with CDPHP, CDChoices Consumers have been able to obtain free face coverings for themselves and their staff to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order requiring face coverings while in public.

In addition, CDChoices was able to obtain an emergency supply of PPE from the New York State Emergency stockpile from several county Offices of Emergency Management Services. Consumers were notified of the supply today and already requests have been pouring in.

“Our Consumers told us of their needs, and we are happy to be able to arrange even just a small amount of supplies to help them. Some people see us as a simple payroll company, but for our Consumers we know we are much more than that. CDChoices is happy to provide support to our Consumers as they work to maintain their independence during this public health emergency,” said Elizabeth Martin, CDChoices CEO.

Consumers who use CDChoices and who need assistance obtaining PPE should call the CDChoices Program Department for more information.