Australia

Government responses

Mainstreaming of disability inclusion, participation, and partnerships

• [April 2020] The Department of Health has released the Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability. The plan aims to ensure that the healthcare needs of persons with disabilities can be met during the pandemic.

Continued access to goods and services

• [n.d.] The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has used several online matching platforms to connect persons with disabilities with support workers. Also, it has been working with supermarkets to ensure priority home delivery of goods for persons with disabilities.
• [n.d.] Providers delivering essential daily life services to NDIS participants could claim PPE for support workers.
• [n.d.] Resources for learning from home during school closures, including suggestions for students with disabilities, have been created on a state-by-state basis.
• [27 April 2020] Eligible participants in NDIS could flexibly use the funding to purchase low-cost Assistive Technology, including smart devices. This enables persons with disabilities to have continued access to disability supports while practising social distancing.
• [27 April 2020] Almost $600 million has been paid in one-month advance payments to nearly 5,000 NDIS service providers to offer immediate cashflow relief and ensure the continuation of services.
• [18 June 2020] The Department of Health has created a COVID-19 Risk Management Plan specifically for students with disabilities returning to schools.

Accessible public information

• [n.d.] Government agencies, such as the NDIS, the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Health, provide accessible information in several formats.
• [n.d.] The Department of Health has established the Disability Gateway to provide accessible information on COVID-19.
• [n.d.] Accessible resources are provided by the Department of Health regarding the vaccination process for persons with disabilities.

Medical and quarantine policies and processes

• [12 June 2020] The Department of Health has created a specific tool to assist persons with disabilities to convey important personal information to healthcare staff should they be in hospitals throughout the pandemic.
• [22 February 2021] Persons with disabilities have been prioritized in the vaccination process.

Social protection and employment support

• [n.d.] A one-off deep cleaning payment has been funded by NDIS in the situation that a support worker diagnosed with COVID-19 enters a person’s home.
• [17 April 2020] One-time cash payment of AUD 750 per person has been available for persons receiving disability supports and carer payments.

Institutions and facilities

• [n.d.] Persons living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements are at higher risk due to the SIL environment and other existing health conditions. Cleaning services and additional self-isolation and COVID-19 diagnosis supports have been available.
• [22 February 2021] Persons with disabilities living in residential settings have been prioritized in the vaccine roll-out, along with workers in residential accommodations. In-reach vaccination team has visited the residences.

Last modified: 6 May 2021