General

This article in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (APMR) examines the prevalence, severity, and correlates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) assessed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study uses data from the TBI Model Systems Database, finding the prevalence, severity, and correlates of mental health conditions were similar before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health journal article describes a study on relationships between these factors and depression in middle-aged adults with physical disabilities during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors also provided recommendations for OTs looking to address symptoms of depression in their clients. Participants in a larger study of people aging with long-term physical disabilities (ages 45–64) completed a supplemental survey with questions about COVID-19, depression, and factors associated with depression.

In this NIDILRR-funded study published in the journal PLoS ONE, the authors evaluated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic exposure on changes in alcohol use and mood from years 1 to 2 after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Among persons living with TBI, those exposed to the pandemic had significant increases in average alcohol consumption. Pandemic-exposed Hispanics with TBI had large elevations in anxiety symptoms, perhaps reflecting health inequities exacerbated by the pandemic, and suggesting a need for targeted monitoring of psychosocial distress.

In this webinar, scheduled for October 13th, 2021, participants will have the opportunity to "Ask an ADA Professional" questions about COVID related workplace accommodations such as hybrid work arrangements as well as employer mandates including face coverings, and vaccinations. Registration is required. The archived audio will be available shortly after the presentation is complete.

This rapid research review summarizes current barriers the COVID-19 pandemic created for people with disabilities in addition to what they are already experiencing.

This September 22, 2021 webinar will review court cases, settlements and federal agency guidance involving the interplay between COVID and the ADA. Topics will include COVID as an ADA-disability; employment rights; mask/vaccine mandates; voting rights; effective communication; corrections; access to healthcare; access to private businesses; and access to education. This is a constantly evolving area of the law so be sure to attend this session to make sure you have the latest information about COVID and the ADA.

In this archived webinar, presenters offered information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it can help those with disabilities as they are still navigating COVID-19. The webinar covered the highlights and obstacles to virtual living, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and information, and accommodations and assistive technology that can help with the COVID-19 long haul.

This study compared family caregivers with non-caregivers on physical, psychosocial, and financial well-being outcomes during the pandemic and determine family caregivers most at risk for adverse outcomes. The study found that the challenges of caregiving are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Family caregivers reported increased duties, burdens, and resulting adverse health, psychosocial, and financial outcomes. Results were generally consistent with caregiver stress-health process models. Family caregivers should receive increased support during this serious public health crisis.

Study examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the lives of people with mental health disorders. The results showed that more than one-third (35.1 percent) screened positive for generalized anxiety disorder and over one-quarter (29.6 percent) screened positive for major depressive disorder. The majority reported pandemic-related changes in eating and sleeping patterns and exposure to COVID-19 infection.

This entire newsletter issue is focused on COVID-19. This issue features an article on staying healthy to avoid the impact of the virus, as well as articles on technology for independence and opportunities to participate in research.