Submissions
May 2022
CYDA’s response to the DRC’s Omicron issues paper
Article
COVID-19
Keeping children and young people with disability strong
Latest COVID-19 updates by state and territory
Disability Gateway - COVID-19
People with disability, families, caregivers and support workers can contact the Disability Gateway to get free, fact-checked and private information and advice about COVID-19. They can also be referred to other support services if needed, including counselling and advocacy.
To use the Disability Gateway, go to Disability Gateway or call 1800 643 787 (8am to 8pm (AEDT) Monday to Friday).
If you need information in a language other than English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Disability Gateway.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask to be connected to the Disability Gateway.
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.
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)
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
Research & reports
September 2021
Locked out: Vaccination discrimination for children and young people with disability
Article
Submissions
July 2021
Endorsement of ARACY Covid Report to DRC
Article
Submissions
February 2021
DRC response to the Covid-19 hearing report
Article
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
Open letter to Victorian participants about COVID-19 supports
Article
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
News
July 2020
Podcast: Left behind: remote learning while living with disability By Hilary Harper on Life Matters
External Website
News & media
July 2020
Audio: Ann speaking on Jane's COVID story
Video
News
July 2020
Article: 'One of the most difficult times we've ever experienced': Students with disability struggle during pandemic
Article
