Resources during COVID-19 outbreak
The situation is rapidly changing, with new information is coming out all the time. It’s hard enough to keep up-to-date with everything, and it’s even harder when not all information is available in ASL.
We hope this page can be a good resource for people during this time. We urge everyone, though, to check out NC DHHS and the CDC, as they are the best places to get information and resources.
See below for information on CSDHH Updates, Updates about North Carolina, Public Health information in ASL, and Other Resources you may find helpful.
CSDHH Information
CSDHH has had to make a few changes over the last year to adapt to the changing situation with the Coronavirus/COVID-19. Staff are still working diligently to serve the community, though mostly from home. Check out the video to the right to see the latest update, or click through to see all past updates.
Update about Staff of CSDHH - 11/1/20
CSDHH remains operating. View the above message in English here.
Past Updates from CSDHH
North Carolina Updates
NC DHHS and Governor Cooper
Did you know that all of Governor Cooper's press conferences about COVID-19 are interpreted live? Click here for the page where they live-stream his press conferences, with ASL interpreters.
All of the past briefings can be found on this website. We would also recommend exploring the NC DHHS website in general for important, accurate, and up to date information about COVID-19.
NC DSDHH Resources
NC DSDHH has been working tirelessly to make sure that the rapidly-changing resources and public health information are accessible to the DHHDBLD community. They’ve made this webpage to collect COVID-19 related information from trusted sources that’s accessible.
Also make sure to Like their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all of the resources they’re sharing.
SlowCOVIDNC
Did you know there’s a smartphone app you can download that will alert you if you’ve been around someone who’s tested positive for COVID-19?
Watch the above video to learn more, and visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/slowcovidnc to see details and download the app.
NC Phase 3 Continues
Governor Cooper has extended the Phase 3 guidelines for North Carolina, due to increasing numbers of cases. Watch the video above to see DSDHH explain.
NC Vaccine Rollout Info
DHHS has a great website with information on the vaccine rollout in NC, when your turn will be, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Public Health Info in ASL
ASL Vaccine Info
There are some great online resources for videos in ASL talking about the COVID-19 Vaccine. We recommend you follow Health Signs Center on Instagram or Facebook, as they post lots of great, clear videos.
This playlist of videos by the Minn. Department of Health also has lots of great information.
CDC in ASL
The Centers for Disease Control has made a number of videos presented in ASL with accurate information about the COVID-19 disease and outbreak, including information on symptoms, guidelines for prevention, and what to do if you think you may have been exposed. Check out the full video playlist here.
CSD - ASL Now Coronavirus Hotline
CSD has launched a free ASL hotline for folks in the deaf community to access important health and safety information regarding COVID-19 in both ASL and English. Learn more here, and access the hotline by clicking 'ASL NOW' on that website or calling 833-682-7630 on any videophone.
Other Resources
Free Clear Masks
NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) is distributing clear masks to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind NC residents and professionals that actively serve them.
Visit their website to learn more and request some!
Free Cloth Masks
US Med Express is a vendor that can provide face masks to Medicaid recipients. You can contact them to request a referral. They’ll do an intake over the phone, and then contact a primary care physician for a prescription. Call 866-544-8982 for more information.
NC HOPE - Rent and Utility Assistance
COVID-19 has been a hardship for many, and the newly-announced NC HOPE program seeks to help prevent evictions and utility disconnections for low- and moderate-income renters. Learn more here.
Governor Cooper also recently made an Executive Order that will further help prevent evictions.
National Resources during COVID
Check out this thorough spreadsheet for many, many resources, including Deaf Businesses, online fitness you can participate in from home, self-care and mental health resources, and so much more.
NC DHHS COVID-19 Text Line
DHHS has set up this text line to share important updates, information, and resources to residents. Simply text 'COVID19' to 898-211 to sign up to receive text alerts from the NC DHHS.
211 vs. 911- COVID-19 Information
Check out the video above (presented in ASL with English voice interpretation and captions) for information about the state’s 211 help line for information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak (and how this line differs from 911!).
Linguabee - Interpreting for COVID-19 Screening
While folks have a right to effective communication access, in dynamic crisis situations, concern about access to information can make an already stressful situation even more scary. Linguabee is offering free VRI services to Deaf people at remote test sites where an interpreter would otherwise be unavailable, learn more at their website.
Talking to kids about Coronavirus
This website is a good resource for information on how to talk to kids about coronavirus, including resources in ASL.
White House Press Briefings in ASL
The White House has committed to having ASL interpretation for all press briefings - check out their YouTube channel to see past briefings.
Use Video Appointments - See the Doctor and the Interpreter On-Screen
You don’t have to only take appointments over the phone through relay service; many doctors offices, businesses, and other organizations are providing video appointments - and interpreters can be integrated on-screen to ensure high-quality access. Watch the video above, and contact our office to learn more.
Also, feel free to check out our tips for using telemedicine.
How to Zoom with Interpreters
This video is a good explainer from a Deaf professor about how best to incorporate interpreters into a Zoom call, and also some general tips to make sure video meetings are accessible to mixed ASL and English participants.
We will add resources to this page as we find them. If you have any resource you think should be listed here, please let us know!
We hope that the above resources will be helpful to you during the current situation. While CSDHH has had to minimize our operations and suspend our programs, we are absolutely still here to support the community and work to ensure the awareness, accessibility, and inclusion of our community.
Please feel free to reach out to us at info@csdhh.org, 336-542-3981 VP, or 336-275-8878 V. Thank you for your support and understanding during this time, and we look forward to making it through together and continuing to serve the community.