COVID-19 contingency plan in a center for children with intellectual disabilities and specific communication support needs

Abstract

Covid-19 has profoundly impacte do nour society and especially over its most vulnerable people. CAM Xiquets is a resource managed by the Santa Ana Charity Sisters Congregation, which depends on the Valencia Regional Government and which serves ten minors with support needs; neuro development disorders (Intellectual Development Disorder, TDI, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD); being the age of these children between 6-18 years. Since March 2020, the facility has had to adaptits functioning base do on models of Person-Centered Comprehensive Care (PCC) and quality of life to the new circumstances. To this end, the regulations issued by the authorities have been take nin to account with the a im of ensuring the health of children, teenagers and the centre’s staff, always considering theire motions. In this regard, the Alternative and Augmentative Communication Systems (AACS) have been very useful, as well as some social stories. Never theless, and despite all the precautions that have been taken, in February 2021 CAM Xiquets had already under go net woout breaks that, over all, affected five minors. This situation has made us reconsider our way of functioning as well as the limitations of there source. This article points out this concern, which has le dusto elaborate our own contingency plan that brings together and systematizes all these matters from a Psychology and Social Work point of view.