UPDATED 4.22.2020: Statement of Service relating to COVID-19
April 22, 2020
Update from Walton Options:
This week Governor Kemp announced the easing of restrictions of Georgia businesses starting April 24th. Although many businesses will begin to re-open, Walton Options does not expect to resume REGULAR business hours for the public before June 1, 2020. This delay is due to the effort to prepare our offices and spaces to meet guidelines of safe distancing or protective personal equipment.
However, we are still serving the community as we have done since the start of the CODIV-19 pandemic. Our staff will continue to alternate presence in the offices as we have these last few weeks. All three of our offices can be reached by phone or email. We are continuing to work with our consumers through phone, email, and video calls to provide support and options.
As businesses and organizations re-open in the coming weeks, we remind everyone to be mindful of exercising caution and continuing to follow CDC Guidelines. The re-opening of businesses does not mean the virus is gone.
If you have any questions regarding services or if you are concerned about access, rights to service, or experience barriers, contact our office at 706-724-6262 in Georgia or 803-279-9611 in South Carolina. If you receive the answering service, we will be notified if you leave a message.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our transition team continues to work with individuals who are requesting assistance to move out of nursing and rehab facilities. They have remained constant in this time to respond to all requests and coordinate these services utilizing guidelines from the state so that persons could still exercise their right to live at home in the community. The Home and Community Living Team can be reached daily at 706-724-6262 extension 102 or 120.
April 2, 2020
Update from Walton Options:
On April 1, Governor Kemp announced a Shelter in Place order for April 3 through April 10. While we provide essential services and are still working, we understand and will abide by the Shelter in Place for the best protection of our consumers and staff. Therefore, some in-person services may be delayed because of vendors we utilize. You can still reach us via phone or email at the numbers below.
All of our offices continue to be closed to the public with the majority of our staff now working away from the office.
However, you can still reach us during this time through these options.
- Call our main office number for Georgia 706-724-6262 or South Carolina at 803-279-9611 and leave a message on the staff’s extension or extension 100. You can view our full extension list online. Staff will receive an alert of your message. Our front desk assistant will return your call.
Our Walterboro Office 843-538-1600 is utilizing call forwarding.
- Directly email our staff. Email addresses are posted on our Staff Directory. If you are not sure who to email, send it to info@waltonoptions.org
- During the hours of 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, an On Call Number 706-284-6205 has been added.
Please allow us time to respond.
If you have been working with an IL advocate, they will continue to reach out to you for the scheduled meetings via phone and/or video.
For additional updates about the current situation in your area:
There are several agencies that provide valuable guidance during this time of adjustment. Nationally, the Center for Disease Control offers guidance and best practice. For more information follow this link:
In Georgia, protocol for closures and events has been more prevalent than South Carolina at this time. Both Departments of Health have issued guidance and information on school, event, and public closings.
***************************************************************
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Update from Walton Options:
As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, we are making some changes to our services moving forward:
- Effective Tuesday, March 17, all of our offices are closed to the public. We will continue to serve consumers as we can virtually over the phone and video calls.
- Our home visits, school visits, and nursing home visits will follow guidelines set out by school districts and health administrators.
- Any Peer Group meetings scheduled will be held remotely until further notice.
- Remote meeting options will be available through a variety of options. Please call our offices directly to discuss service options. If you receive our voicemail, please leave a message and we will follow up with you..
We will continue to work to provide as many services and resources as possible in the coming weeks. We are thankful for the advances in technology which will allow us to continue to provide options to our community.
A few additional reminders:
It is important that you review your personal emergency plans. Be sure information is up to date and relevant to your desires. Just as with any emergency situation, access to services may become limited. Be sure to have contacts noted and an alternative plan if your regular provider of any services you utilize are not available. (transportation, medical, home care, etc)
While the media and government communications continue to express that people with disabilities may experience higher risk if exposed to COVID-19, we want to state emphatically that this does not diminish your rights for proper care, treatment, engagement in your community. Your rights and access to service are the same. Walton Options’ commitment to education and advocacy remains constant even in emergency situations.
If you are concerned about access, rights to service, or experience barriers, contact our office at 706-724-6262 in Georgia or 803-279-9611 in South Carolina. If you receive the answering service, we will be notified if you leave a message.
***************************************************************
Friday, March 13, 2020: Walton Options for Independent Living has been monitoring the COVID-19 information provided by both Georgia and South Carolina, as well as that provided by Federal agencies. Maintaining the safety of our staff and consumers is important to us and we have stressed the importance of preventative measures that reduce potential spread of virus. Going forward, we are implementing additional precautions to support a safe environment in our office and through our services. These additional provisions may result in a modified schedule for staff, remote contact, advance appointments in some situations, and suspension of non-essential travel, but our operations and availability will continue unless we are officially directed to do otherwise. Any changes in our operations or hours will be posted on our website and on our Facebook Page.
Below we offer again links to several agencies that have provided valuable guidance during this time of adjustment. Nationally, the Center for Disease Control offers guidance and best practice. For more information follow this link:
In Georgia, protocol for closures and events has been more prevalent than South Carolina at this time. Both Departments of Health have issued guidance and information on school, event, and public closings.
It is important that you review your personal emergency plans. Be sure information is up to date and relevant to your desires. Just as with any emergency situation, access to services may become limited. Be sure to have contacts noted and an alternative plan if your regular provider of any services you utilize are not available. (transportation, medical, home care, etc)
While the media and government communications continue to express that people with disabilities may experience higher risk if exposed to COVID-19, we want to state emphatically that this does not diminish your rights for proper care, treatment, engagement in your community. Your rights and access to service are the same. Walton Options’ commitment to education and advocacy remains constant even in emergency situations.
If you are concerned about access, rights to service, or experience barriers , contact our office at 706-724-6262 in Georgia or 803-279-9611 in South Carolina. If you receive the answering service, we will be notified if you leave a message.