COVID-19

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.

Education (information and resources)

Early childhood education information and updates:

Australia-overall information

New South Wales

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

School information:

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales (school closures)

Northern Territory

Queensland (Queensland Health alerts)

South Australia (school closures)

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

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

Submissions

November 2022

Inquiry into Long COVID and Repeated COVID infections

Article

Media Releases

October 2022

Federal budget takes some steps toward inclusion, but more is needed to address challenges faced by children and young people with disability

Article

News

October 2022

The impact of ending mandatory self-isolation periods for people with COVID-19 on children and young people with disability.

Article

Research & reports

August 2022

How did COVID-19 impact post-school transitions for young people with disability and how can these be better supported?

Article

Submissions

May 2022

CYDA’s response to the DRC’s Omicron issues paper

Article

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