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.
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.
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
- Wearing PPE for disability support workers instructional video here
- Physical distancing best practice instructional video here
- Tips and tricks for healthcare workers on reducing the risk of infection
- Read about environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for health and residential care facilities
- Download campaign resources and posters on good hygiene and stopping the spread
- Free online training on how to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for disability support workers
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
- Not-for-profit technology resources for the COVID-19 crisis
- Free and discounted tools from Connecting Up to help you work from home
- Suggested resources for remote teams
- Key cybersecurity measures not-for-profits should implement during the coronavirus crisis
- Keep well-informed of scams reported by the Australian community by visiting the Australian Government sites; Stay Smart Online and Scamwatch
Information & Advice
- Tips for coping with COVID-19 from the Australian Psychological Society
- Information to help with mental health issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety in relation to COVID-19
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:
- Beyond Blue, call 1300 224 636
- Lifeline, call 13 11 14
- Read your employers' Employee Assistance Programs
All People with Disability
This resource supports people with a disability in developing a COVID-19 Response Plan
Children & Young People
- Information aimed at supporting teenagers and young people
- Self-care strategies for young people
- Information on how to talk to children
- A downloadable colouring-in book for children that explores the feelings associated with disasters and how to cope
- A social story explaining COVID-19
- Social stories for children recovering from natural disasters (available in a range of languages)
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.
