Submissions
February 2021
DRC response to the Covid-19 hearing report
Article
COVID-19
Keeping children and young people with disability strong
Easing of restrictions for Greater Brisbane (up to date as at 12 Jan 2021 11am AEDT)
Restrictions for Greater Brisbane, as well as those who have been in Greater Brisbane since 2 January 2021, will be in place from 6pm Monday 11 January to 1am Friday 22 January.
The Greater Brisbane region includes:
- City of Brisbane
- City of Ipswich
- Logan City
- Moreton Bay Region
- Redland City
Face masks
You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, except in your home. For example:
- shopping centres and supermarkets
- hospitals and aged care facilities
- gyms
- workplaces where people cannot socially distance and where it is safe
- places of worship
- libraries
- public transport, taxis and ride share vehicles
- airport terminals and during flights
- staff in restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs who interact with the public must wear masks but not patrons.
You are not required to wear a face mask when outdoors at a safe distance from other people (for example, walking a dog), in private vehicles or when doing strenuous exercise. You are not required to wear a mask in dining venues.
We recommend you wear a mask when outdoors if you are unable to stay more than 1.5m distance from other people, such as busy walkways and thoroughfares.
Children under 12 years and people affected by a medical condition or disability are exempt.
Read about face masks: how to use, wear and change.
Information by state and territory (links valid 12 Jan 2021)
Disability information helpline
Have things changed for you because of coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do you need support in a language other than English? Help is available. Call the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 and ask for an interpreter, or call Translating and Interpreting Services on 131 450 and ask for the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787. Information about the Disability Information Helpline is also available in 63 languages. Visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp for more details. #DisabilityHelp
AHRC Guidelines on the rights of people with disability during COVID-19
The Australian Human Rights Commission developed the Guidelines on the rights of people with disability in health and disability care during COVID-19 to help disability services and support workers and health care professionals take a human rights-based approach to decision-making during the pandemic, which has caused major disruption to society since the start of this year.
Accessible resources
- Auslan resources via Expression Australia
- There is information about COVID-19 in community languages.
- Easy English resources
National Disability Insurance Scheme - information and resources
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is regularly updating its information and resources including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Mental health and wellbeing – information and resources
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
Isolation and stress can make it harder to take care of your mental health. Beyond Blue has tips on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Australian Department of Health has more tips and information on mental health support during COVID-19.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or sad, please reach out for support. Talking to someone can help. You can contact:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Headspace 1800 650 890.
If you, or a child or young person in your care, needs support during this challenging time, please reach out. Call one of the numbers. If you don't get through straight away, stay on the line - someone will be there. Or visit: https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/ for online support
Finances and employment – information and resources
Australian Government Support Payments
Victorian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation and Worker Support Payment
Australian Government coronavirus information and support for business
The National Debt Hotline website has step-by-step guides explaining how to fix common debt problems. You can also call the helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak with a financial counsellor.
Find a financial counsellor in your area.
Education – information and resources
Education advice by government
Early childhood education information and updates:
Australia overall information
School information:
New South Wales (school closures)
Queensland (Queensland Health alerts)
South Australia (school closures)
CYDA advocacy during COVID-19
There is a critical need to ensure that children and young people with disability and their families can access the following:
- accessible testing with agreed supports for sensory needs, alternative communication and social stories
- access to technology to support equal access to telehealth
- priority access to personal protective equipment
- continuation of chronic care plans
CYDA has been privileged over the past few months to engage with so many young people with disability, families of children with disability, disability advocates, partners and other stakeholders whilst we all grapple with the impact of COVID-19. We have heard from almost 700 families and young people about the effect of the crisis on their lives.
We continue to amplify these messages to government, including endorsing the Open Letter to National Cabinet: Immediate Actions Required for Australians with Disability – COVID-19 and producing reports and submissions to inform the government on the situation for children and young people with disability.
Stay in touch
You can stay in touch with CYDA about the COVID-19 situation by contacting us.
Resources
News
December 2020
CYDA Dec/Jan plans
Article
News
December 2020
Media: Disability groups fight to end segregation of people with disability in Australia
Article
News
December 2020
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), statement by Mary Sayers, CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia
News
December 2020
UN event: It all begins with education
News
November 2020
Media: Access to the NDIS
Audio
News
October 2020
Media: Disability Royal Commission and CYDA in the media
Article
News
October 2020
Joint media statement: Australia is failing students with disability, evidence to the Royal Commission will show
Article
News
September 2020
Media: Time for change in disability support
Audio
News
September 2020
Media: Students with disabilities could be disadvantaged if HECS loans are removed from failing students
Audio
Media Releases
August 2020
No plan, no voice, clumsy solutions for children and young people with disability through COVID 19
Article
News
August 2020
Podcast: Students with disability during COVID-19 - Advocacy for Inclusion
External Website
News
August 2020
Article: Governments urged to prioritise Victorians with disability during second COVID wave Advocates warn of "tragic outcomes" if proper planning is not undertaken
Article
Media Releases
August 2020
The NDIA and Victorian Government must prioritise people with disability so they do not suffer in Stage 4 lockdowns
Article
Media Releases
July 2020
Once again no planning for children and young people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic
Article
