Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for GPs

The RACGP has compiled a summary of links to information and resources to support people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidelines for the rights of people with disability during COVID-19

Guidelines have been developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission to support the rights of people with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines are designed to assist healthcare, disability services and support workers to take a human rights-based approach to decision-making during the pandemic. Access the guidelines

COVID-19 Health Professionals National Disability Advisory Service

GPs and other health professionals caring people with disability can now access a telephone advisory service being piloted to provide specialised clinical advice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Health Professionals National Disability Advisory Service (managed by Healthdirect Australia on behalf of the Australian Department of Health) provides specialised advice regarding the care of a person with disability diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Some people with disability may require reasonable adjustments to their healthcare to ensure they receive, either COVID-19 testing or treatment, with minimum distress. The Advisory Service can provide specific support required to address communication and management issues, such as behaviours of concern and the reduction of risk to the patient and staff involved in the process. The Advisory Service is staffed by health professionals with disability service qualifications and experience working with people with disability. To access the service call 1800 131 330. The service is available between 7.00 am – 11.00 pm (AEST) seven days a week.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support

  See more: Covid 19 gp guidelines

• Latest advice from the NDIS

• Information for NDIS participants – This page includes information about changes announced on 27 April 2020 to support NDIS participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include increased flexibility to purchase low cost assistive technology, two new support items for participants in Supported Independent Living arrangements, and online access to the Access Request Form and Supporting Evidence Form.

• Information for NDIS providers

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

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NSW and Victoria NDIS participants can claim for personal protective equipment (PPE)

Victoria and NSW NDIS participants can recover the cost of purchasing PPE items if they receive an average of at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living support. Previously, only participants who used PPE as a regular part of their support arrangements were able to access PPE through their NDIS funds. Further information

Australian Government information/resources

• Department of Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for people with disability

• Management and Operational Plan for COVID-19 for People with Disability

• Department of Social Services – Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about coronavirus (COVID-19) – This page includes information about the Disability Information Helpline.

• Services Australia – People with disability

Disability organisations

• People with Disability Australia

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  National Disability Services

• Australian Federation of Disability Organisations

• Council for Intellectual Disability

• First Peoples Disability Network Australia

Disability service providers

• Yooralla

• Scope

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