Please visit this page often for up-to-date resources and information on COVID-19 and SCI as they become available.

Resources + Updates

• Canadian Gov announces one-time payment to people with disabilities (web link)
• SCI Everything – Taking Care of Your Respiratory Equipment (YouTube link)
• Get in Motion Queen’s U physical activity coaching program (web link)
• SCI Everything – Respiratory Care video (YouTube link)
• Emergency Preparedness for People with SCI (web link)
• Update on Medical Supplies, Funding, Attendant Care (web link)
• COVID-19 + SCI Info Session on Staying Healthy (video by John Shepherd)
• Hand Hygiene for People with Spinal Cord Injury (PDF March 26)
• COVID-19 Guidance for SCI community (web link)
• Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Precautions for People with Disabilities (web link)
• SCIO’s Free Cortree Disability Learning Online (register for access)
• I think I may have Coronavirus – Globe & Mail article (web link)
• Details about Ontario’s second wave Covid-19 plan (PDF)
• Whitepaper on Evidence Related to COVID-19 in People Living With Spinal Injury (web link)
• City of Toronto Educational Posters and Infographics on COVID-19 (web link)

Public Health Info

• Premier’s Office Action to Protect Vulnerable People from COVID-19 April 17 (web link)
• Ontario Health Enhanced Public Health Measures March 12 (PDF)
• Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Info (web link)
• Canada Ministry of Health COVID-19 Info (web link)
• World Health Organization advice for public (web link)

Mental Health Links

• CAMH – Information and suggestions about how best to cope in this difficult time.
  Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic 
• Crisis Text Line
  • Text 686868
  • www.crisistextline.ca
  • Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 686868 from anywhere in Canada to text with a trained Crisis Counsellor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis
• Mental Health Helpline listed on CMHA:  1-866-531-2600
• CMHA Bounceback
  • https://bouncebackontario.ca/
  • Free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
• Connex Ontario – information regarding mental health, addiction and gambling treatment resources by region
  • https://www.connexontario.ca/
  • 1-866-531-2600
• Big White Wall Ontario
  • www.bigwhitewall.ca
  • An online mental health and well-being service offering self-help programs, creative outlets and a community that cares.

Covid-19 and Canadians Survey

As you may have seen, Statistics Canada has launched a survey on the impact of COVID-19 on Canadians COVID-19. In particular, the August 4-17 survey relates to experiences with discrimination. It will be posted online until Aug 17. The more people who answer the survey, the better the information will be.

• Covid-19 impact on Canadians survey (web link)

SCIO’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

SCIO is taking every step necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, staff, volunteers and wider community regarding risks associated with COVID-19.  Thus far:

• We have shared with staff our stringent health and safety policies with the expectation of extra diligence in upholding them.
• We have made the decision to cancel or postpone all SCIO meetings and events involving staff and community until at least May 30.
• We have completed audits, implemented practices and provided resources to ensure staff can work safely and effectively from home.
• We have implemented a non-urgent travel ban for staff within Ontario, Canada and internationally, and instituted a screening process for potential risk of contact.
• We have made the decision to close our offices and prepared alternative methods for staff and clients to communicate while upholding high service standards and avoiding health risks, including:
  • Expediting staff training and community access to SCIO’s VIP4SCI virtual support platform to provide client services and facilitate connections to other health care professionals
  • Increasing access to and expectations of use of online meeting applications, such as Zoom
• We are carefully reviewing expert recommendations and have met with a national SCI network, medical professionals, scientists and researchers to confirm consistent information and ensure our decisions and communications protect our community in the course of our work.
• We have prepared specific communications for our community, featuring regularly updated information from Canadian and Ontario Public Health offices related to COVID-19.

SCIO CLIENT, VISITORS & DONOR INFO

• Watch for direct information from SCIO regarding client services. If you are an SCIO client and have questions or concerns, email or call your SCIO contact. If you aren’t sure who to contact, email us [email protected] or call 416-422-5644 (our toll-free # is unreliable right now)
• If you are not yet a client, and are looking for service and support from SCIO and have a spinal cord injury, connect with us by phone or email at [email protected]
• SCIO staff will communicate with our clients, partners and other community members on ways to keep communications flowing and ensure support continues. It’s important to stay in touch with other people, even if you’re social distancing.
• Our offices across Ontario are closed. This includes our Toronto office, Resource Centre and Employment Resource Centre at Lyndhurst Centre. Signage will direct you to SCIO support. Call or email your SCIO contact to arrange for an alternative way to meet.
• Our equipment donation program has changed – we are always in need of functional equipment for people with SCI and other physical disabilities – but while our offices are closed, we cannot accept donations of equipment in person but we invite you to buy, sell or share on our online SCIO Marketplace.
• If you would like to make a financial donation, please use our online donation form, rather than drop off a cheque. We appreciate your support and your patience!