Records show that over four million people in Australia are disabled. In April of 2020, the
the government addressed the general public to announce their plans of implementing an effective
response plan for COVID-19 for people with disability
The Australian government also developed the plan as a national response to the growing
pandemic. It aims to ensure that those with impairments have the proper healthcare and support.
Officials maintain that this plan will protect people with disabilities in these trying times.
Those with special needs are more susceptible to the virus because of their weakened immune
systems and limitations. The consequences that will occur if they are affected will be
detrimental.
The Management and Operational Plan for COVID-19 for People with Disability accounts for
the extensive measures needed to keep disabled Australians from exposure to the virus and
maintain their necessary health services.
In addition to this plan, more services can give disabled Australians protection amidst the
pandemic.
The Disability Gateway
The disability gateway is another government service that connects Australians with disabilities
to assistance and healthcare providers. It contains all of the contact information of organizations
and groups that can help with your safety needs.
The service is open to all people with impairments, whether they are a participant in the NDIS
(or any other provider) or not.
Department of Social Services
The DSS with the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework also offers protection for those
with special needs. The DSS designed the approach to support and encourage those with physical
or mental impairments to live in a protected environment. It also provides quality support and a
safeguarded surroundings for the NDIS participant.
NDIS
If you or your loved one is an NDIS participant, you can likely get assistance under one of their
support categories. While there is no news yet of an NDIS category specific to the pandemic, the
existing ones can very well accommodate your safety needs.
The core support and capacity-building support are for assisting participants with their day-to-
day living and independence. These categories can shoulder needs related to protection from the
pandemic like PPE, medications, and services. Capital support can cover your assistive
technology and its modifications to allow ease and safety as you navigate through your routine
amidst the pandemic. Meanwhile, with NDIS plan management, participants can better
understand its budgets and inclusions.
Enhance Health Services
The EHS is a service provided by the Disabilities Service Australia. It is a healthcare practice
and multi-clinic psychology. The group gives their participants individualized care by their team
of professionals who have years of experience.
Since the rise of the pandemic, the EHS has made some changes to its protocols. Participants
under their care are living in a safe and healthy environment provided by the DSA. They work
meticulously to keep their locations safe from COVID, and they take the necessary precautions
and more. Employees are also vigilant in monitoring the symptoms of those in the facilities and
nearby areas.
The DSA also holds regular meetings for their COVID response team and multiple training
sessions to provide excellent care and service for the disabled.
