Guam

Government responses

Mainstreaming of disability inclusion, participation, and partnerships 

• [17 July 2020] Crisis counselling providers have been encouraged to train staff on disability related topics and to make services more accessible.

Continued access to goods and services

• [n.d.] Guidance and updates have been offered by the Department of Education regarding support for children with disabilities during school closures.
• [17 March 2020] The Bureau of Economic Security of the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services would continue assisting beneficiaries of the following programmes: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance Programs, Medicaid, Medically Indigent Program (MIP) and Child Care Development Fund Block Grant. Older persons and persons with disabilities requiring assistance have been allowed to access office locations with one companion.
• [10 April 2020] The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority has been awarded more than $2.6 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to combat COVID-19 through non-profit and government service providers. These providers would bring relief and services to homeless people and persons with disabilities, amongst other groups.
• [17 May 2020] The Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation office has issued special arrangements in anticipation of reopening. This includes special opening hours to provide services for persons with disabilities, older persons, and veterans.
• [8 June 2020] The Guam Department of Labor Processing Center has prioritized appointment slots for persons with disabilities, older persons, and veterans to assist them in applying for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation.

Medical and quarantine policies and processes

• [19 August 2020] The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority has restricted in-person visits, with exemptions made for children/minors, patients with disabilities and high-risk patients.
• [22 January 2021] The COVID-19 vaccination programme has expanded vaccine eligibility to persons with disabilities.

Social protection and employment support

• [16 April 2020] Disaster Household Distribution has been approved, which includes providing persons with disabilities with food aid.
• [16 June 2020] Senators have approved a bill to distribute $500 cash assistance to each eligible member of a qualified family. Special arrangements have been made for persons with permanent disabilities.
• [4 September 2020] Two bills amending the $500 aid programme have been passed unanimously by the Guam Legislature.
• [13 March 2021] A third round of COVID-19 stimulus payments would be likely to include dependents of any age, including college students, those with disabilities, and elderly parents.

Last modified: 6 May 2021