EDMONTON OFFICE UPDATE

With the ongoing fluctuation of COVID-19 cases and restrictions, the Centre continues to review Alberta government recommendations, along with AHS and local school board COVID-19 standards. Individuals can access the Centre by appointment only. Many staff are working remotely and are available to assist you via email. All staff has access to their voicemails as well, so feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

If you’re unsure who to contact for your inquiry, please visit our Contact Page.

On-Site Delivery of Programs

On-site delivery at the Centre continues for several programs, with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. We continue to review our policies based on current government recommendations, and AHS and Edmonton Public Schools standards. The Centre is proceeding with caution, prioritizing a balance of safety and continued programming for participants and staff.

Due to the ever-changing status and restrictions of COVID-19, the current circumstances in which we are operating may change quickly. We will not hesitate to take measures necessary to protect our participants, their families, and our staff. This may mean changes to programming and/or methods of delivery.

Because this situation is always changing, we will be providing regular updates about future programming, and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please keep an eye on your email for future communications from the Centre.

Support Resources

The Centre has compiled several online resources to support your family during this time. Continue checking back for more!

Specialized Services Update

With child, family, and staff safety as a priority, Specialized Services continues to be offered during COVID and is available for families who qualify for this service.

In order to be in compliance with COVID-related AHS regulations, the Centre has made the following modification to its SS program:

  • Families are able to choose between virtual or in-person visits (or a combination)
  • All staff are trained in the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing, and other COVID-related safety measures
  • Mandatory daily COVID screening for all families receiving any in-person services (center or home-based)
  • Mandatory daily COVID screening for all staff providing any in-person services or coming into the Centre
  • Prohibition on any type of in-person service delivery if a staff or family member does not pass the COVID screener
  • Mandatory masking when at the Centre or in a home-based situation where staff or family members are within 6 feet of each other or within the same room (masking is optional for children and is a family decision)
  • Access to the Centre by appointment only
  • The majority of staff are working from home to limit peer-to-peer and family-to-family exposure
  • Even when vaccinated (staff or family), the above restrictions are required to be followed

For virtual visits, the Centre is able to offer secure and encrypted video conferencing solutions along with traditional phone and email support. This is the safest option and is strongly encouraged whenever possible. The majority of SS families are currently receiving some portion of their services via secure video links.

For in-person visits, Centre staff have been trained on a wide range of safety protocols including PPE, physical distancing measures, sanitation procedures, and screening measures. An orientation is provided for any families that request in-person services before in-person services begin (SLP, OT, or Behavior Consultation & Interventionist Sessions) to ensure everyone understands and agrees to these expectations.

These rules are subject to change based on direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health in Alberta. Your patience and understanding are deeply appreciated.

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Thank you for your understanding, patience, and flexibility during this time. Please know that the health and safety of our participants, families, and staff is our first priority.

Please stay alert for further updates from the Centre via social media and member emails.

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Safety at the Centre

To protect everyone, the Centre office is open by appointment only, and many of our staff are choosing to work remotely, as recommended by the Government of Alberta and AHS. If they need to go into the office for any reason, they are following these protocols:

  • Filling out a fit-for-work screening survey prior to entering the office
  • Washing hands at the beginning and end of each shift, as well as regularly during the workday
  • The Centre is taking precautionary measures and regularly sanitizing all high-traffic/high-touch areas in the office
  • Minimizing touching their faces, or the faces of others
  • If they feel ill, self-isolating for the recommended 14 days: limiting interaction to phone, email or video link.
  • If staff members have traveled internationally, they are restricted to consulting via phone, email, and video link for the recommended 14-day period.
  • If staff present with any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they are to contact Health Link 811 for further evaluation prior to any further physical contact with staff or families.
  • All Centre for Autism Services Alberta staff are fully vaccinated.

About COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). The most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and all recommendations are available on the Government of Alberta website.

According to Alberta Health Services, the best way to minimize and prevent the spread of any respiratory virus is to do the following:

  • Wear a mask at all times when interacting with others indoors
  • Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing
  • Practice social distancing
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Stay at home and stay away from others if you are feeling ill
  • Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
  • If you have doubts about your health, book a COVID-19 PCR test. Wait times are short and test results typically come back within 48 hours. Being sure is always better

 

The Centre will continue to share information as updates are available and apologize in advance for any service disruption that may occur.