Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated and access COVID-19 tests. The DIAL’s trained staff is standing by to:
- Help find local vaccination locations
- Assist with making vaccination appointments
- Help connect to available testing options, including help with ordering free at-home test kits through the program announced by the White House on January 14.
- Connect callers to local services – such as accessible transportation – to overcome barriers to vaccination and testing.
The hotline also can provide information and resources to answer questions and address concerns about the vaccines and can connect callers to information and services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and transportation.
DIAL accepts calls from anyone.
DIAL’s staff are trained to work with people of various communications abilities and will spend as much time as needed to ensure effective communication. DIAL also can be reached via email.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers using relay services can dial 888-677-1199. (People who use TTY relay can first dial 7-1-1, and then relay the 888-677-1199 number).
Now Available: Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and a free app to provide users with audible instructions and audible test results. Read more about the tests.
How to get the tests:
Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
- Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
- Orders will ship free, while supplies last.
Because supplies are limited, please order the more accessible tests only if you do not have options for using the standard tests. If you have someone you trust who can help you administer the test and interpret results (in person, or through a video platform like FaceTime or Zoom), or can use assistive technology (such as AIRA or Be My Eyes), please order the standard tests.
This initiative complements the Administration’s efforts to expand the production of more accessible tests and work with private sector partners on the development of new accessible tests.
Need more assistance?
The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide additional assistance with:
- Ordering tests.
- Understanding instructions for test administration and test results.
- Providing alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests for people who are unable to access, read, or understand the manufacturer’s version.
- For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
- Assist with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for results.
- Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs, transportation, or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
- Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Authorizes Second Booster Dose of Two COVID-19 Vaccines for Older and Immunocompromised Individuals
[Excerpt from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration]
Today, we authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for older people and certain immunocompromised individuals.
We previously authorized a single booster dose for certain immunocompromised individuals following the completion of a three-dose primary vaccination series.
This action will now make a second booster dose of these vaccines available to other populations at higher risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
We amended the emergency use authorizations as follows:
➡️ A 2nd booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to people 50+ years old at least 4 months after receipt of a 1st booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
➡️ A 2nd booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to people 12+ years old with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after receipt of a 1st booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
➡️ A 2nd booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the 1st booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to people 18+ years old with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.
Today’s action applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, and the authorization of a single booster dose for other age groups with these vaccines remains unchanged.
We will continue to evaluate data and information as it becomes available when considering the potential use of a second booster dose in other age groups.
Achievable Health Center will be hosting a mobile vaccination clinic on 12/16
The Achievable Health Center will be hosting a mobile vaccination clinic next Thursday, December 16th from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the upper parking lot of 5901 Green Valley Circle, Culver City, CA 90230. They have Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations available both for initial vaccinations and for boosters.
Everyone is welcome! Below are the links to register. Walk-ins are acceptable but to reduce your waiting time, please use the links below to register to significantly reduce your wait time.
English – All Doses 18+ — Moderna
https://myturn.ca.gov/
Spanish – All Doses 18+ — Moderna
https://myturn.ca.gov/
English – All Doses 18+ — Janssen
https://myturn.ca.gov/?config=
Spanish — Aldses 18+ — Janssen
https://myturn.ca.gov/
