A system glitch that caused unprocessed unemployment claims to be marked as processed caused further delays in distributing money to self-employed and independent contractor Delawareans out of work due to Covid-19. These classes of workers have gone weeks without payment since the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was established, which the Delaware Department of Labor says was because it was waiting for federal guidance.
The ubiquity of face coverings and the need for social distancing, among other public health measures intended to reduce the spread of Covid-19, are creating barriers to communication for many individuals who are Deaf or hard-or-hearing. Advocates warn that one-size-fits-all rules about masks and six-foot intervals between people exclude those with hearing loss from community engagement, which can cause anxiety and depression.
Gov. Carney has created the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee, which is tasked with making plans to handle a spike of Covid-19 cases that could occur in the coming months. The committee’s responsibilities include identifying methods to protect those who live in long-term care facilities and “vulnerable populations,” including those with underlying health conditions.
A Reuters survey of nearly 60 school districts across the country revealed that public education is struggling to perform the same roles it did before the coronavirus pandemic. The Reuters report found that “about a third of districts aren’t providing federally required services to their special needs students, such as physical and occupational therapy.” It also found that students are receiving less face-to-face interaction time with teachers, attendance is falling and far fewer free and reduced-price meals are available.
Two fledgling TV shows featuring main characters taking care of adult siblings with developmental disabilities have been renewed for second seasons. “Stumptown,” an hourlong drama, and “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay,” a half-hour comedy, feature characters with Down syndrome and autism, respectively. In both shows, an actor with the same condition portrays the character.
