We're Taking Action
Perspectives is doing everything we can to keep our agency operating as usual.
We continue to follow advisories from the Rhode Island Department of Health and State officials to monitor the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), to make decisions about the best steps to take concerning the individuals we support and our employees.
Judy Niedbala
Perspectives Corporation
Chief Executive Officer
Kim Einloth
Perspectives Corporation
Chief Operating Officer
Deb Harbin, RNBC
Perspectives Corporation
Senior Director of Nursing
Melissa Augaitis, RN
Perspectives Corporation
Nurse Consultant
UPDATE: Friday, May 29
Adult Day Services
Perspectives Adult Day Services will start offering limited services effective the week of June 14. The schedule will be based on an individual's comfort level, the availability of staff with an emphasis on employment and volunteer commitments. To ensure the health of our employees and individuals we support, multiple safety precautions such as pre-shift screening, DSPs working with a limited number of individuals, wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, sanitizing the environment and other safeguards will be implemented.
Service Coordinators have contacted individuals to gather who is interested in taking part and their desired schedule. Program Managers have spoken with DSPs and are drafting schedules to meet the need. As always, we encourage individuals and their families to speak with their Service Coordinator to share ideas or questions.
Independent Living
We continue to provide support to people at home with safeguards in place, including screening, social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing the environment, and minimal exposure to crowds. With Phase Two, people are beginning to explore returning to their jobs, seeing family and friends and other aspects of daily life.
Self Directed Services
BHDDH announced two weeks ago that parents and guardians can apply to be their child's self directed worker, offering a much needed relief to these families. We are holding remote meetings with people interested in exploring self directed service, so please contact Casey Gartland to discuss (cgartland@perspectivescorporation.com or 401.294.3990 Ext 227).
Youth and Family Services
Perspectives HBTS and PASS programs are starting the re-entry process of direct supports in the home and community as of June 1, 2020. To re-engage in direct treatment, each family is collaborating with the agency and their clinical team to orchestrate the best plan for their child, family, and staff as services resume. Treatment is moving forward in a limited capacity to start and will expand as the Governor directs each phase of Opening RI. All families still have the option of accessing Tele Health supports at any time in the capacity that works for their family.
UPDATE: Friday, May 8
Adult Residential Services
The Governor has announced that in Phase I of re-opening the economy that nursing homes, assisted living and other congregate care facilities remain closed to visitors. This means that there will be no changes in our visitor policy at Perspectives on May 9th when the State is scheduled to begin Phase I.
We know how challenging this has been and are so thankful for your full cooperation with these guidelines. We will be happy to work with you to set up phone calls and video calls/video conferencing on Mother's Day, birthdays, or on any occasion, so you can feel connected to your loved one.
Earlier notification remains in effect where all family and non-essential visitation continues to be canceled in Adult Residential Services including Shared Living Arrangements (SLA) for the health and safety of our staff and residents. This includes canceling visitors taking residents to their homes and other community locations. The only people providing essential services are employees that have self-screened for COVID-19 risks/exposure. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (Telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing.
Once we enter Phase I of the Governor's plan the nursing and leadership team will continue to closely monitor and assess the path of the virus and provide updates on our visitation policy.
Adult Day Services
After much deliberation, Perspectives will be continuing the suspension of Adult Day Services through May 30th and is hoping to gradually offer some day services starting the week of May 31st, as long as indicators continue in a positive trend.
When services are offered, they will follow RI Department of Health and State leadership guidance as well as input from Perspectives Nursing Department and leadership. The health and safety of the people we support and our employees are a top priority, so all employees and individuals will be required to wear face coverings/masks while in the community and will be using a screening tool everyday to monitor signs and symptoms of illness, out of state travel and direct exposure to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. Phase 1 of our reopen plan involves providing all supports in a 1:1 ratio as we continue to evaluate the safety of moving to a shared model for those who had typically spent their time that way. Additionally, we will be limiting the number of individuals that each employee will be working with to reduce exposure.
We very much want feedback from the individuals in our services as well as their families, so we're asking everyone to have a conversation with your service coordinator about your feelings on this plan, anything we may not have considered, and whether or not you foresee joining services at that time.
Self-Directed Services
Our Self-directed services are still running as usual and we are entertaining new referrals. For more information, please contact Casey Gartland at cgartland@perspectivescorporation.com, or call (401) 294-3990 Ext 227.
Youth and Family Services
Perspectives’ HBTS, EI, and PASS programs will continue to remain in remote Tele-Health supports only at this time. Further decisions regarding the reopening of these programs will occur after full review of the RI Department of Health data in relation to the trends of COVID-19 after the Governor's Phase One of re-opening RI. The framework for our re-entry process has been drafted and we will begin the process of exploring our workforce census next week. When it comes time to establish in home services again, this process will be a collaborative effort with each family and will be completed gradually with the utmost caution in compliance with all safety standards of in person care for community- based programs. The next update for the YFS Division for HBTS and PASS will occur on Friday May 15th.
UPDATE: Friday, May 1
Adult Day Services
Perspectives will be extending the suspension of day services through May 9th to align with the stay-at-home order, in place until May 8th. We will contact individuals and their families next week with an update on Perspectives' plan to reopen Adult Day Services, with respect to the statewide plan. When the time comes to resume our day services, it will be done gradually and with caution, and will include the following:
Perspectives’ Adult Day Services is providing daily virtual activities such as ukulele sing along, show and tell and virtual tours of museums and landmarks. We will look to increase these remote activities over the next several weeks as our goal is to be able to offer a minimum of four activities per day. If you are unfamiliar with the Zoom platform being used to connect people or have any questions about joining these activities, please contact your Service Coordinator for assistance.
Service Coordinators continue to check-in with individuals and their families at least once a week to offer support, encourage participation in remote activities and connect individuals with community resources such as mental health services, food, and other assistance.
Employment Services
Perspectives continues to provide supported employment services. While we are supporting individuals who are still in the workforce, many are not working while their respective employers are not operating their business or aspects of work are shut down until Rhode Island begins to reopen. At that point in time, Perspectives will be prepared to re-enter the workforce with individuals, as we adhere to all guidelines for health and safety presented by the Governor, Dept. of Health and the CDC.
We are still accepting referrals from the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) and working virtually with people to initiate this work, as well as continuing to serve those who have ORS authorizations in progress when the work can be conducted via the remote Telehealth model.
Independent Living
We continue to provide support to people at home and within the guidelines of the stay-at-home order (all Rhode Islanders should stay home unless getting food, medicine, gas, or going to work).
There is a particular focus on supporting individuals to cope with stress, such as taking breaks from watching/reading/listening to news stories, taking care of their physical health and mental well-being by eating right and exercising when possible, connecting with people via remote means, and focusing on what is positive.
Self-directed Services
Our Self-directed services are still running as usual and we are entertaining new referrals. For more information, please contact Casey Gartland at cgartland@perspectivescorporation.com, or call (401) 294-3990 Ext 227.
Adult Residential Services
All family and non-essential visitation continues to be canceled in Adult Residential Services including Shared Living Arrangements (SLA) for the health and safety of our staff and residents. Canceling visitors includes canceling visitors taking residents to their homes and other community locations. The only people providing essential services are employees that have self-screened for COVID–19 risks/exposure. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing. The next update will be evaluated on May 9th after full review of the Governor's proposed phase one of re-opening RI.
Youth and Family Services
At this time, Perspectives’ Youth and Family Services Division is continuing the suspension of all in-home / in person contact for the HBTS and PASS programs. All treatment for both HBTS and PASS will continue to be facilitated only through Remote Tele Health appointments. Perspectives will continue to remain in close contact with updates from the RI Department of Health and the CDC to make further decisions.
The next update will be evaluated on May 9th after a full review of the Governor's proposed phase one of re-opening RI. No changes or decisions for the HBTS and PASS programs will be made prior to that time.
Perspectives Transitional School Services (TSS) continues working toward implementing remote learning for our students through partnership with our local school districts until it is safe to return to the community for experiential learning.
UPDATE: Friday, April 3
Adult Services
Perspectives will be continuing the suspension of Adult Day Services (ADS) for the next 4 weeks starting Sunday, April 5th. Perspectives continues to provide essential services for people supported by Adult Residential, Independent Living and Employment Services. All family and non-essential visitation continues to be canceled in Adult Residential Services until further notice. The only people providing essential services are employees that have self-screened for COVID – 19 risks/exposure. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing.
Youth and Family Services
At this time, the Youth and Family Services Division is continuing the suspension of all in-home / in person contact for the HBTS and PASS programs. All treatment for both HBTS and PASS will continue to be facilitated only through Remote Tele Health appointments. Perspectives will continue to remain in close contact with updates from the RI Department of Health and the CDC to make further decisions. The next update will be communicated on May 1, 2020.
Perspectives Transitional School Services (TSS) are working toward implementing remote learning for our students through partnership with our local school districts until it is safe to return to the community for experiential learning.
UPDATE: Monday, March 23
Adult Services
Perspectives will be suspending Adult Day Services (ADS) for at least two weeks starting Sunday, March 22. We will be constantly re-evaluating our ability to resume services based on updates from the RI Department of Health (RI DOH) and RI State Officials.
Perspectives will continue to provide essential services for people supported by Independent Living and Employment Services. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing.
Under the guidance of the RI State Officials and RI DOH and for the health and safety of our staff and residents, all family and non-essential visitation is canceled in Adult Residential Services until further notice. The only people entering homes are essential staff that have been screened for COVID – 19 risks/exposure.
Youth and Family Services
Due to the rising concerns of the presence of the COVID-19 in RI and around the world, we have decided that it is best practice to suspend all HBTS and PASS direct care effective Friday March 20, 2020.
We are extremely grateful for all the time and energy over this past week in relation to our safety screening protocols, e-mails, family letter distribution, and constant communication with our staff and families in our best attempts to keep our treatment going during this global pandemic.
Support and Consultation will still be available to HBTS and PASS families via the use of Tele Medicine. We will continue to finalize a plan of availability and support to them during this suspension so that resources or triage may be available by members of their clinical team.
UPDATE: Tuesday, March 17
Individuals We Support and Medical Appointments
At this time, individuals we support should attend all their essential medical appointments in accordance with the new policies and hours of their healthcare providers' hours.
With COVID-19 bringing about a variety of changes, it's possible that certain offices—for example, dentist's offices—may cancel routine visits and cleanings, but still remain open to assist patients with medical problems (such as toothaches, infections, etc.)
Perspectives management is working with the nursing department to see which appointments should be attended.
Can We Still Go Into the Community?
As of right now, the best method we have to combat the spread of COVID-19 is through social distancing, a tactic that keeps everyone away from close contact in attempts to slow the transmission between people. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have currently ordered most businesses to close, restaurants to only offer take-out and delivery, and restrictions on gatherings larger than 10 people. Outings should be limited where possible, especially in places where there will be or have been many people.
UPDATE: Monday, March 16
American Sign Language (ASL) classes originally scheduled to begin on March 31 have been cancelled.
Adult Day Services
Perspectives Adult Day Services will start offering limited services effective the week of June 14. The schedule will be based on an individual's comfort level, the availability of staff with an emphasis on employment and volunteer commitments. To ensure the health of our employees and individuals we support, multiple safety precautions such as pre-shift screening, DSPs working with a limited number of individuals, wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, sanitizing the environment and other safeguards will be implemented.
Service Coordinators have contacted individuals to gather who is interested in taking part and their desired schedule. Program Managers have spoken with DSPs and are drafting schedules to meet the need. As always, we encourage individuals and their families to speak with their Service Coordinator to share ideas or questions.
Independent Living
We continue to provide support to people at home with safeguards in place, including screening, social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing the environment, and minimal exposure to crowds. With Phase Two, people are beginning to explore returning to their jobs, seeing family and friends and other aspects of daily life.
Self Directed Services
BHDDH announced two weeks ago that parents and guardians can apply to be their child's self directed worker, offering a much needed relief to these families. We are holding remote meetings with people interested in exploring self directed service, so please contact Casey Gartland to discuss (cgartland@perspectivescorporation.com or 401.294.3990 Ext 227).
Youth and Family Services
Perspectives HBTS and PASS programs are starting the re-entry process of direct supports in the home and community as of June 1, 2020. To re-engage in direct treatment, each family is collaborating with the agency and their clinical team to orchestrate the best plan for their child, family, and staff as services resume. Treatment is moving forward in a limited capacity to start and will expand as the Governor directs each phase of Opening RI. All families still have the option of accessing Tele Health supports at any time in the capacity that works for their family.
UPDATE: Friday, May 8
Adult Residential Services
The Governor has announced that in Phase I of re-opening the economy that nursing homes, assisted living and other congregate care facilities remain closed to visitors. This means that there will be no changes in our visitor policy at Perspectives on May 9th when the State is scheduled to begin Phase I.
We know how challenging this has been and are so thankful for your full cooperation with these guidelines. We will be happy to work with you to set up phone calls and video calls/video conferencing on Mother's Day, birthdays, or on any occasion, so you can feel connected to your loved one.
Earlier notification remains in effect where all family and non-essential visitation continues to be canceled in Adult Residential Services including Shared Living Arrangements (SLA) for the health and safety of our staff and residents. This includes canceling visitors taking residents to their homes and other community locations. The only people providing essential services are employees that have self-screened for COVID-19 risks/exposure. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (Telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing.
Once we enter Phase I of the Governor's plan the nursing and leadership team will continue to closely monitor and assess the path of the virus and provide updates on our visitation policy.
Adult Day Services
After much deliberation, Perspectives will be continuing the suspension of Adult Day Services through May 30th and is hoping to gradually offer some day services starting the week of May 31st, as long as indicators continue in a positive trend.
When services are offered, they will follow RI Department of Health and State leadership guidance as well as input from Perspectives Nursing Department and leadership. The health and safety of the people we support and our employees are a top priority, so all employees and individuals will be required to wear face coverings/masks while in the community and will be using a screening tool everyday to monitor signs and symptoms of illness, out of state travel and direct exposure to someone who has tested positive to COVID-19. Phase 1 of our reopen plan involves providing all supports in a 1:1 ratio as we continue to evaluate the safety of moving to a shared model for those who had typically spent their time that way. Additionally, we will be limiting the number of individuals that each employee will be working with to reduce exposure.
We very much want feedback from the individuals in our services as well as their families, so we're asking everyone to have a conversation with your service coordinator about your feelings on this plan, anything we may not have considered, and whether or not you foresee joining services at that time.
Self-Directed Services
Our Self-directed services are still running as usual and we are entertaining new referrals. For more information, please contact Casey Gartland at cgartland@perspectivescorporation.com, or call (401) 294-3990 Ext 227.
Youth and Family Services
Perspectives’ HBTS, EI, and PASS programs will continue to remain in remote Tele-Health supports only at this time. Further decisions regarding the reopening of these programs will occur after full review of the RI Department of Health data in relation to the trends of COVID-19 after the Governor's Phase One of re-opening RI. The framework for our re-entry process has been drafted and we will begin the process of exploring our workforce census next week. When it comes time to establish in home services again, this process will be a collaborative effort with each family and will be completed gradually with the utmost caution in compliance with all safety standards of in person care for community- based programs. The next update for the YFS Division for HBTS and PASS will occur on Friday May 15th.
UPDATE: Friday, May 1
Adult Day Services
Perspectives will be extending the suspension of day services through May 9th to align with the stay-at-home order, in place until May 8th. We will contact individuals and their families next week with an update on Perspectives' plan to reopen Adult Day Services, with respect to the statewide plan. When the time comes to resume our day services, it will be done gradually and with caution, and will include the following:
- Keeping circles of support tight- minimal DSPs working with multiple individuals
- Requiring masks be worn by both employees and individuals in the community
- Complying with 6 foot physical distancing guideline
- Limiting group size in line with Governor Raimondo's plan for reopening Rhode Island: www.reopeningri.com
Perspectives’ Adult Day Services is providing daily virtual activities such as ukulele sing along, show and tell and virtual tours of museums and landmarks. We will look to increase these remote activities over the next several weeks as our goal is to be able to offer a minimum of four activities per day. If you are unfamiliar with the Zoom platform being used to connect people or have any questions about joining these activities, please contact your Service Coordinator for assistance.
Service Coordinators continue to check-in with individuals and their families at least once a week to offer support, encourage participation in remote activities and connect individuals with community resources such as mental health services, food, and other assistance.
Employment Services
Perspectives continues to provide supported employment services. While we are supporting individuals who are still in the workforce, many are not working while their respective employers are not operating their business or aspects of work are shut down until Rhode Island begins to reopen. At that point in time, Perspectives will be prepared to re-enter the workforce with individuals, as we adhere to all guidelines for health and safety presented by the Governor, Dept. of Health and the CDC.
We are still accepting referrals from the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) and working virtually with people to initiate this work, as well as continuing to serve those who have ORS authorizations in progress when the work can be conducted via the remote Telehealth model.
Independent Living
We continue to provide support to people at home and within the guidelines of the stay-at-home order (all Rhode Islanders should stay home unless getting food, medicine, gas, or going to work).
There is a particular focus on supporting individuals to cope with stress, such as taking breaks from watching/reading/listening to news stories, taking care of their physical health and mental well-being by eating right and exercising when possible, connecting with people via remote means, and focusing on what is positive.
Self-directed Services
Our Self-directed services are still running as usual and we are entertaining new referrals. For more information, please contact Casey Gartland at cgartland@perspectivescorporation.com, or call (401) 294-3990 Ext 227.
Adult Residential Services
All family and non-essential visitation continues to be canceled in Adult Residential Services including Shared Living Arrangements (SLA) for the health and safety of our staff and residents. Canceling visitors includes canceling visitors taking residents to their homes and other community locations. The only people providing essential services are employees that have self-screened for COVID–19 risks/exposure. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing. The next update will be evaluated on May 9th after full review of the Governor's proposed phase one of re-opening RI.
Youth and Family Services
At this time, Perspectives’ Youth and Family Services Division is continuing the suspension of all in-home / in person contact for the HBTS and PASS programs. All treatment for both HBTS and PASS will continue to be facilitated only through Remote Tele Health appointments. Perspectives will continue to remain in close contact with updates from the RI Department of Health and the CDC to make further decisions.
The next update will be evaluated on May 9th after a full review of the Governor's proposed phase one of re-opening RI. No changes or decisions for the HBTS and PASS programs will be made prior to that time.
Perspectives Transitional School Services (TSS) continues working toward implementing remote learning for our students through partnership with our local school districts until it is safe to return to the community for experiential learning.
UPDATE: Friday, April 3
Adult Services
Perspectives will be continuing the suspension of Adult Day Services (ADS) for the next 4 weeks starting Sunday, April 5th. Perspectives continues to provide essential services for people supported by Adult Residential, Independent Living and Employment Services. All family and non-essential visitation continues to be canceled in Adult Residential Services until further notice. The only people providing essential services are employees that have self-screened for COVID – 19 risks/exposure. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing.
Youth and Family Services
At this time, the Youth and Family Services Division is continuing the suspension of all in-home / in person contact for the HBTS and PASS programs. All treatment for both HBTS and PASS will continue to be facilitated only through Remote Tele Health appointments. Perspectives will continue to remain in close contact with updates from the RI Department of Health and the CDC to make further decisions. The next update will be communicated on May 1, 2020.
Perspectives Transitional School Services (TSS) are working toward implementing remote learning for our students through partnership with our local school districts until it is safe to return to the community for experiential learning.
UPDATE: Monday, March 23
Adult Services
Perspectives will be suspending Adult Day Services (ADS) for at least two weeks starting Sunday, March 22. We will be constantly re-evaluating our ability to resume services based on updates from the RI Department of Health (RI DOH) and RI State Officials.
Perspectives will continue to provide essential services for people supported by Independent Living and Employment Services. If needed/preferred, Perspectives is prepared to deliver remote supports (telehealth) using technology such as video conferencing.
Under the guidance of the RI State Officials and RI DOH and for the health and safety of our staff and residents, all family and non-essential visitation is canceled in Adult Residential Services until further notice. The only people entering homes are essential staff that have been screened for COVID – 19 risks/exposure.
Youth and Family Services
Due to the rising concerns of the presence of the COVID-19 in RI and around the world, we have decided that it is best practice to suspend all HBTS and PASS direct care effective Friday March 20, 2020.
We are extremely grateful for all the time and energy over this past week in relation to our safety screening protocols, e-mails, family letter distribution, and constant communication with our staff and families in our best attempts to keep our treatment going during this global pandemic.
Support and Consultation will still be available to HBTS and PASS families via the use of Tele Medicine. We will continue to finalize a plan of availability and support to them during this suspension so that resources or triage may be available by members of their clinical team.
UPDATE: Tuesday, March 17
Individuals We Support and Medical Appointments
At this time, individuals we support should attend all their essential medical appointments in accordance with the new policies and hours of their healthcare providers' hours.
With COVID-19 bringing about a variety of changes, it's possible that certain offices—for example, dentist's offices—may cancel routine visits and cleanings, but still remain open to assist patients with medical problems (such as toothaches, infections, etc.)
Perspectives management is working with the nursing department to see which appointments should be attended.
Can We Still Go Into the Community?
As of right now, the best method we have to combat the spread of COVID-19 is through social distancing, a tactic that keeps everyone away from close contact in attempts to slow the transmission between people. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have currently ordered most businesses to close, restaurants to only offer take-out and delivery, and restrictions on gatherings larger than 10 people. Outings should be limited where possible, especially in places where there will be or have been many people.
UPDATE: Monday, March 16
American Sign Language (ASL) classes originally scheduled to begin on March 31 have been cancelled.
BHDDH Weekly Bulletin, September 25 (PDF)
Via BHDDH Division of Developmental Disabilities
BHDDH Weekly Bulletin, September 18 (PDF)
Via BHDDH Division of Developmental Disabilities
Coronavirus: What Is It and What Can I Do (PDF)
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
COVID-19 Resource Toolkit (PDF)
Designed and distributed by the New Jersey Self Avocacy Project
Coronavirus Prevention (PDF)
Information and resources to keep you healthy, safe, and connected
Navigating Through COVID-19 (Website)
Best Buddies
COVID-19 Information and Resources (Website)
Special Olympics
Important Things to Know about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) (Website)
Brandeis University
BHDDH Update, April 3 (PDF)
Questions & Answers About the Impact of COVID-19 on DD Services
DIY Cloth Face Covering Instructions (PDF)
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Schedule your CVS COVID-19 testing online (Website)
Choose a time. Drive up. Get tested.
General COVID Testing Information (Website)
Via BHDHH: As of April 1, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested.
COVID-19 Toolkit For DSPs (Website)
Resources and webinars to help DSPs take care of themselves during the crisis
How to Protect Yourself and Others (PDF)
A user-fiendly fact sheet by the DD Council
Vehicle Safety Tips (PDF)
Please take these safety tips into consideration each time you use a vehicle to ensure they are clean!
Rhode Island Earnings Replacements
If you are impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and cannot work, here is some information on how to support yourself and your family.
Rhode Island Governor's Commission Resource Guide (PDF)
Information about accessing community resources, including those available for families with children, small business owners and employees, and individuals that fall withing a high risk population.
Social Distancing (PDF)
What does it mean, and why is it important?
COVID-19 In Plain Language (PDF)
COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities
Workplace Fact Sheet (PDF)
If you are quarantined and unable to work, or your workplace has been temporarily closed, please review the following information about assistance available through State programs.
RI Dept of Health
COVID-19 Info Line: (401) 222-8022 (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm). After hours: Call 211
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
What you need to know — the latest updates