The pandemic situation affects autistic people and their loved ones particularly hard. We are fully aware of this, which is why at JiM we act for you and create solutions that are supportive during this difficult time.

We present you with a guide with answers to the most common questions. In it you will find information on the forms of assistance we have prepared for you, as well as the current legal regulations concerning people on the spectrum and their relatives. We remain at your disposal.

1. how can I contact the Foundation remotely during a pandemic?

Our Foundation works for you invariably. In order to make it even easier for you to get support and all the necessary information about help for people with autism without leaving home, we have launched the TeleJiM help phone. For more information: www.jim.org/telejim.

2. is my child with autism eligible for financial assistance?

Our Foundation maintains sub-accounts, enabling you to collect from 1% or donations. You can use the money raised for therapy, treatment or additional support for your child. You can set up a sub-account at www.jim.org/subkonta/rejestracja - it literally takes a few minutes. For more information: https://jim.org/subkonta-jim/

3. Can I get legal advice or intervention from a lawyer on issues related to my child's spectrum?

As a Foundation, we provide support in the form of free legal advice. To take advantage of them, you just need to be a member of the JiM Club, which brings together parents and caregivers of people on the spectrum, adults with autism and professionals. More information about the JiM Club and how to join can be found at: https://jim.org/klub-jim/o-klubie/#formularz Legal advice is provided at the request of a JiM Club member, based on the documents presented. For more information: https://jim.org/interwencje/

4. can I benefit from volunteer support in my locality?

Yes, our Foundation has launched a program called Volunteer JiM. Poland, under which we put volunteers from the locality in contact with people on the autism spectrum and their relatives. A volunteer can support you by providing assistance with childcare, care during a rehabilitation camp, educational classes or ad hoc help with shopping and delivery. We can help you wherever you live. For more information: https://jim.org/instytucje/wolontariat/wolontariatjimpolska/

5 How do I find out if my child might have autism?

Wondering if your child has autism? Remember that the diagnosis is made only by a specialist. However, without leaving home, you can do the screening yourself using the M-Chat-R tool. The result will tell you whether you should go with your child to a specialist. Take the test: https://jim.org/autyzm/czy-moje-dziecko-ma-autyzm/

6. Is an additional care allowance provided for school closures?

As of November 9 of this year, the possibility of collecting additional care allowance has been restored. The allowance is due in the event of closure or limited opening of a nursery, children's club, kindergarten, school or other similar institution, to an insured person who is released from work due to the need for personal care of the child:

- A child with a severe or moderate disability certificate until the age of 18, or

- A child with a disability certificate or

- A child with a special education certificate.

The allowance is also available to an insured person who is released from work because of the need to provide care for an adult with a disability in the event of the closure of an occupational therapy workshop or other day care facility of a similar nature due to coronavirus, which is attended by that adult with a disability.

The right to supplementary care allowance has been secured until November 29 this year.

Legal basis:

Law of March 2, 2020 on special solutions related to the prevention, prevention and control of COVID-19, other infectious diseases and emergencies caused by them

Council of Ministers Regulation of November 5, 2020 on determining a longer period of additional care allowance to counter COVID-19.

7 I am receiving a care benefit. Can I apply for additional care benefit?

Unfortunately, nothing has changed in this regard: the additional care allowance is due to an insured person who is released from work because of the need to personally care for a child with a disability. If a person has given up gainful employment in order to care for a child, and for this reason receives a care benefit - then he or she is not entitled to the benefit.

Legal basis:

Law of November 28, 2003 on family benefits.

Law of March 2, 2020 on special solutions related to the prevention, prevention and control of COVID-19, other infectious diseases and emergencies caused by them.

8 My child has difficulties with remote learning. Can the school principal suggest another way of learning?

In the case of elementary and secondary schools, with regard to students who, due to the type of disability or the inability to implement classes using distance learning methods and techniques, cannot implement these classes at home, the school director is required to:

1) organize activities at school or

2) allow the student to implement classes using distance learning methods and techniques on school premises.

The above solution is designed to protect the interests of children with disabilities receiving special education from schools other than special schools (which, according to the regulations, are not closed for the time being).

Legal basis:

Ordinance of the Minister of Education and Science dated October 23, 2020, amending the Ordinance on Temporary Restriction of Operation of Units of the Educational System in Connection with Prevention, Counteraction and Suppression of COVID-19.

Ordinance of the Minister of Education and Science dated November 5, 2020, amending the Ordinance on Temporary Restrictions on the Operation of Educational System Units in Connection with the Prevention, Counteraction and Suppression of COVID-19.