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Writer's pictureMTAA
Mar 13, 2020

MTAA MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS: COVID-19

Updated: Jun 1, 2020



Staying Healthy: Information about COVID19



 

Important Phone Numbers


To find out if you need COVID test


Alberta Mental Health Help Line (24/7)


Edmonton CMHA Distress Line (24/7)

  • 780-482-4357 (HELP)


Calgary Distress Centre (24/7)


  • (403) 327-7905


Crisis Services Canada


Crisis Lines for Immediate help


Native Youth Crisis Hotline

  • 1-877-209-1266


Kids Help Phone


Emergency Income Support Contact Centre (24/7)

  • 1-866-644-5135

  • 780-644-5135 (Edmonton and area)


 

Updates from the CAMT

  • COVID19 Resources, requires sign-in into your CAMT account > Top of the menu (March 30, 2020)

  • Video Message from the CAMT President (March 25, 2020)


 

Financial Support for Individuals and Businesses


Support for Individuals

The Government of Canada is providing the following supports for individuals and families affected by COVID-19.

  • Increasing the Canada Child Benefit to an extra $300 per child.

  • Automatic one-time special GST-credit payment (up to $400 for individuals) for low-modest income families.

  • Extending the income tax filing deadline to June 1, 2020. Learn more here.

  • Support for people who have lost work, including those not eligible for Employment Insurance, through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Click here for more details and to learn how to apply. The CERB is available to:

    • workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and don’t have access to paid leave or other income.

    • workers who are sick, quarantined, in directed self-isolation, or taking care of someone with COVID-19.

    • working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school/daycare closures.

    • workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.

    • wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.

  • Improved access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits

    • If you are sick, quarantined or have been directed to self-isolate, we will waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits. Apply here.

  • Additional support for members of Indigenous communities (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis). Learn more here.

  • Automatic six month interest free pause on the repayment of Canada student loans. Students do not need to apply. Learn more here.


Additional financial supports include:

  • Mortgage payment deferral for those in need. Contact your bank directly! Learn more here.

  • Increased flexibility from Canada’s large banks to provide support (e.g., mortgage payment deferral, credit card interest relief) on a case-by-case basis. Contact your bank directly! Learn more here.


Support for Businesses

The Government of Canada has implemented measures to support business including Supporting Canadian Business through the Canada Account, ensuring that businesses have access to credit, and helping businesses keep their workers. Many of these resources will be made available in April, 2020. Service Canada provides more detailed information about each of these categories and a complete summary of the Government of Canada’s Economic Response Plan - and when Canadians can expect these resources to become available!

  • The following supports are available for businesses. Click the link above for more information.

    • Extending the Work-Sharing program to 76 weeks.

    • Providing small businesses with wage subsidies for a 3 month period. Learn more here.

    • Establishing a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) for small businesses. Coordinating credit solutions for individual private businesses. Learn more here.

    • Increased flexibility for financial support/assistance from financial institutions. Please contact your bank directly.

Support for Employer and Employees

The Alberta government will provide immediate funding and supportive measures to support local businesses, employers and employees.

  • Emergency isolation support

  • experienced total or significant loss of income as a result of having to self-isolate, or are the sole caregiver of a dependent who is self-isolating, and

  • have no other source of compensation, such as workplace sick leave benefits or federal employment insurance benefits

  • Utility payment holiday

    • Residential customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments (regardless of the service provider) for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off from these services during this time of crisis.

    • Call your utility provider directly to arrange for a 90-day deferral on all payments!

    • Learn more here

  • Student loans repayment holiday

    • The government will implement a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all individuals who are in the process of repaying these loans.

  • Job-protected leave

    • Changes to the Employment Standards Code will allow full and part-time employees to take 14 days of job-protected leave if they are:

      • required to self-isolate

      • caring for a child or dependent adult that is required to self-isolate

    • To be eligible, employees:

      • will not be required to have a medical note

      • do not need to have worked for an employer for 90 days

    • This leave covers the 14-day self-isolation period recommended by Alberta’s chief medical officer. This leave may be extended if the advice of the chief medical officer changes.

    • This leave does not apply to self-employed individuals or contractors.

  • EI Eligibility Resource Sheet


Banks and Credit Unions

  • ATB Financial customers impacted by COVID-19

    • Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit, and mortgages for up to six months.

    • Small business customers, in addition to payment deferrals on loans and lines of credit, will be provided access to additional working capital.

    • For other business and agriculture customers, ATB will work with customers on a one-on-one basis and further solutions are being considered at this time.

    • For more information on ATB’s relief program, please visit their website.

  • Alberta Credit Unions

    • Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow.

    • Both individual and business members are encouraged to proactively contact their credit union directly to work out a plan for their personal situation.


 

Personal Resources for Music Therapists


  1. General COVID 19 resources - self-care + music (US-based)

  2. Keeping Calm during COVID (QC-based)

  3. Calm.com - many free resources for mindfulness and coping with stress

  4. Headspace - free mindfulness resources and toolkits

  5. Resources for freelance artists during COVID-19 (Emergency funding, job opportunities, etc.)

  6. Fitness Blender Youtube Channel- FREE at-home workout videos to maintain strength and fitness and keep moving. No equipment needed!

  7. Activities and resources for keeping your children occupied at home:


Professional Resources for Music Therapists


  1. Music Therapy Resources list compiled by US music therapists

  2. Limited Contact/Online Music Therapy Interventions

  3. How to talk with children and family about COVID-19: AHS CAMH CDC

  4. Supporting families in online music therapy? Encourage everyone to get involved by incorporating instrument building using found objects from around the home! Here are 52 homemade instrument ideas!

  5. Music & Music Therapy Apps to create music with your clients! • Model D minimoog synthesizer • Korg Kaossilator • Acapella • Youtube video: How to Use the Acapella App • Djay- allows you to mix songs and playlists • AudioKit Synth One Synthesizer • Music Maker JAM- beat and loops mixer • Launchpad- DJ mixer and beat maker • Beat Maker • Bandlab • Bloom HD ($) • Groovebox- beat and synth studio • Garageband (iOs only) • Youtube video: Garage Band Tutorial for Beginners • Chordify- gives chords for songs and aligns them to the musiSongcraft- FREE online collaborative songwriting software. Write lyrics, chord progressions, and guitar tabs in the song-writers pad. Collaborate in real-time with your clients. • Yousician- build on your musicianship and learn some new skills! Currently has lessons on guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, and, voice

  6. CE Opportunity: April 1 to June 10, 2020. Health Entrepreneur’s HUB: Rescue and Recovery Edition led by Jennifer Buchanan. An 11-week online training program for music therapists and creative arts entrepreneurs navigating their businesses during COVID-19. The HUB will provide inspiration, support grounding, and guidance for a better future. This program is available for a one-time discounted price of $47. Click here for more information.

  7. Song analysis and active listening- a great option for online MT sessions.

  8. Songs about getting through hard times: • Lean on Me- Bill Withers (1972) • Let It Be- The Beatles (1970) • This Too Shall Pass- OK Go (2010) • Keep on the Sunny Side (1964) • It Is Well With My Soul • The Weight- The Band • Be Still- The Fray • I’ve Got Peace Like a River

  9. British Association for Music Therapists Resource Directory Podcast: Coronavirus and helping children with autism Free weekly digital workshops: Making Therapy Digital Free or by donation resource: Teaching Music with Garageband for Ipad Resource to support carers/families of people with learning disabilities through the Coronavirus restrictions

  10. Cleaning Guidelines for Recreational, Comfort, Therapeutic and Play Items: AHS Information Sheet


 

Telehealth & Online Music Therapy Platforms


Relevant compliance Acts in Canada:

  • PIPEDA, Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

  • PIPA, Personal information Protection Act (BC and AB)

  • PHIPA, Personal Health Information Protection Act (ON)

  • HIPAA is US-based and does not apply in Canada


Considerations:

  • Is PIPEDA-compliant and others respective to your province

  • Offers end-to-end encryption

  • Is Canadian-based, only uses Canadian servers


Platforms

*If a certain platform is not compliant, it is imperative to let your client know of the risks before you proceed.


 

Online Music Therapy Set-Up: Tips & Examples


Tips

  • How to look fresh and professional for web meetings- tips and tricks

  • Use headphones and a microphone (if possible) for better sound quality and less interruption in sound transmission. Simple earbuds with a basic mic attached works just fine too!

  • Log in to 5G if you have it. Turn off as many other applications on your computer.

  • Test online with a colleague or friend to ensure sound quality is optimal - you may need to adjust playing patterns or mic placement for use of certain instruments!

  • Some platforms will allow for image sharing should you or your client rely on PECS for communication in your sessions! GoogleMeet, Zoom and Skype allow for screen sharing. You may want to provide a step-by-step tutorial on how they can utilize this (and for your own reference as well) and send PDF’s of your PEC system before-hand to ensure you both have everything you need to communicate!

  • If your clients prefer a platform that is NOT HIPAA compliant - it is imperative that they are made aware and provide consent before engaging in online therapy services.

  • Guidelines and resources from APA

  • Telehealth considerations from Personcenteredtech.com

  • PESI'S Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals: 2-Day Distance Therapy Training. It typically costs $439.99, use TELEFREE in the discount box for zero cost, offer is valid as of Mar. 20, 2020, might be a limited time offer. This training will go over:

  • The key terminology, evidence, benefits and risks.

  • The unique legal and ethical concerns associated, such as privacy, security and crossing state lines.

  • The policies, procedures and best practices you need to know to get started and while protecting your professional liability.

  • How to navigate challenging telehealth business questions involving marketing, payments, billing and insurance.

  • Demonstrations of the technology options and strategies for how to use them effectively.

  • Webcam Practitioner Tips and Considerations

Examples


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