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Coronavirus

 People with disabilities may be at a greater risk if infected by COVID-19.

As disability practitioners,  there are things we can do to minimise the risk of infection.

Disability Support Workers should not go to work if you:

  • have returned from overseas in the past 14 days
  • have had contact with anyone with COVID-19
  • have any cold or flu-like symptoms (even minor). Please get tested.
The Australia Government has specific information for disability service providers and health workers who support people with disabilities.

Providers are also encouraged to review and activate their Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Information regarding elements that should be included in a BCP can be found in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Fact sheet: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Outbreak preparedness, prevention and management.

CDNA national guidelines for the prevention and management of COVID-19 outbreaks in disability residential services - The Disability Supplement

The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) has developed the disability supplement which provides national guidance on the prevention and management of COVID-19 outbreaks in disability residential services (DRS).

Access the guidelines from Health.gov.au

 

Vaccination Roll-out

From 22 February 2021, COVID-19 vaccination will commence in Australia.

People with disability and support workers are considered to be a priority for vaccination. They will be among the first to get access to the vaccine.

Information about the national roll-out is available on the NDIS coronavirus latest advice page.  

Disability Service Provider Toolkit

The Department of Health has released a toolkit of resources to help disability service providers during the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out.

Access the toolkit.

 

News Updates and Alerts

 Here is a list of specific Covid-19 news updates

 

Useful resources

National Disability Service maintains extensive news and updates on the NDS Coronavirus hub

Australian Government Department of Health website Information for People with Disability 

Safe and Stronger — Lessons from Real COVID Experiences

There is a valuable collection of presentations from providers and other professionals reflecting on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These short videos provide information relevant to a range of disability services.

Video topics include:

  • Dealing with a COVID Outbreak
  • Preparing for a Positive Case
  • Safe planning principles
  • Clinical Waste Management
  • Dealing with a Positive Staff Member
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing

Watch the COVID-19 experiences videos by members in Victoria

Coronavirus Health Information line

If you are concerned about your health or that of your staff or clients call the Coronavirus Health Information line 1800 020 080.  If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450

Health Direct, a government-funded service, has a symptom checker available on their website. 

Emergency Preparedness

Person-centred Emergency Preparedness Toolkit

Presenters: Michelle Moss, Business Development & Operations Manager, Queenslanders with Disability Network & Michelle Villeneuve, Associate Professor, The University of Sydney

 

Working Safe

Access to Medicines

Community pharmacies have been funded to deliver medicines to vulnerable people during COVID-19. Read more about the program.

COVID Safe Business Plan (Victoria)

The Victorian government has introduced requirements for the staff of disability residential services (as well as aged care and health services) to make daily attestations. Read more here.

Cleaning and disinfecting to reduce coronavirus transmission. Download the guide.

Templates for assessing risk and developing your COVID safe business plan.

Tech Tools and Information

Information & Advice

Support

Now is not the time to go it alone. Be sure to check in with colleagues and reach out to access the range of supports:

 

All People with Disability

This resource supports people with a disability in developing a COVID-19 Response Plan

Children & Young People

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Information for pregnant women and their families during COVID-19.

Multicultural

Symptoms and hygiene posters to download.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities

New culturally appropriate COVID resources.

Disability Information Helpline

Your clients may be feeling overwhelmed, frightened, or confused by the pandemic and public health measures. They can contact the helpline on 1800 643 787, or through the National Relay Service on 133 677.  More information about how to support your clients is available here.