Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for people with disability
This page contains links to updates about COVID-19 and resources for NDIS participants.
Here you will find information about coronavirus, what you can do to look after yourself, and the ways we are working with NDIS providers to make sure they understand what they need to do to make sure you get the support you need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disability Gateway
If you have a question about COVID-19, including about COVID-19 vaccination, you can contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787. (If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.)
The Disability Gateway provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of COVID-19, and can also assist families, carers, and support workers.
The Disability Gateway is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST). It is not available on national public holidays.
COVID-19 vaccine information
The Australian Government Department of Health (Department of Health) have launched a dedicated information page for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines.
This page contains important information about COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccination rollout. The Department of Health will update the information as arrangements for the rollout are made. We strongly encourage you to visit this page regularly.
We have also developed a webpage containing information and resources about the vaccine for people with disability.
Frequently asked questions
Visit our webpage of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and how it affects the NDIS services and supports you receive.
Accessible resources
Easy read resources
The Australian Human Rights Commission has issued an Easy Read resource [PDF] that explains what your human rights are and why they are important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian Government has produced these Easy Read resources about COVID-19:
- Wearing a mask
- Your emergency plan for COVID-19
- What is coronavirus?
- 5 things to do right now
- What you need to know
- FAQs
- Social distancing
- Staying at home
- Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability
- Jobkeeper Payment impacts on Disability Support Pension recipients
- JobKeeper Payment impacts on Carer Payment recipient
The Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) has produced these Easy Read resources:
- Staying safe from coronavirus
- Look after your mental health during coronavirus
- Staying at home during coronavirus
- What is happening in my home
- Looking after your health in lockdown
- If you think you have Coronavirus
Auslan resources
The Australian Government has produced Auslan resources about COVID-19:
- Information for people with disability and carers
- Looking after yourself
- Support for your situation
- Helping others
- Who else can you talk to?
- Links to other accessible resources
Participant fact sheets
We have written the following fact sheets for NDIS participants.
1. Our first COVID-19 NDIS participant information fact sheet explains:
- what to expect from your NDIS providers
- your rights, how to make a complaint about a provider
- what resources are available from the NDIA
- where to find more information and resources about COVID-19.
This fact sheet is also available in Easy Read and Auslan formats, and in 11 other languages.
2. We have also written a fact sheet to explain what you can expect from your providers and workers during COVID-19. This includes some changes you might see in the way your supports and services are delivered during this time.
This fact sheet is also available in Easy Read and Auslan formats, and in 11 other languages.
3. Our third participant fact sheet explains how you can expect your providers to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in a residential setting.
This fact sheet is also available in Easy Read and Auslan formats, and in 11 other languages.
4. Our fourth participant fact sheet has information about the COVID-19 vaccination program, and explains how your provider should be preparing for it. It also contains links to resources about the vaccine.
This fact sheet is also available in Easy Read and Auslan formats. It will soon also be available in other languages.
Braille copies of our NDIS participant fact sheets
If you are an NDIS participant who requires a Braille copy of any of our COVID-19 fact sheets, please email engagement@ndiscommission.gov.au with your name and address. It will be posted to you using the ‘Mail for the blind’ postage service.
COVID-19 information pack for NDIS participants
We have created an information pack for NDIS participants, which combines, in a single resource, the guidance we issued to help inform and support people with disability during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Updates and advice: Australian Government
- Australian Government COVID-19 updates: Visit the Australian Government website for the latest news, updates and advice on COVID-19.
- COVID-19 advice for people with disability: The Australian Government Department of Health website has information about protecting yourself from COVID-19, managing your mental health, and getting access to important services like telehealth and prescription medications.
- Guidelines on the rights of people with disability in health and disability care during COVID-19: These guidelines from the Australian Human Rights Commission explain the human rights people with disability have, and how health care and disability workers can uphold these when providing support during the pandemic.
- COVIDSafe app: This app can help health officials quickly contact people exposed to COVID-19. You can download it from on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- COVID-19 planning resource for people with disability: This planning guide helps you to get the facts about COVID-19 and make a plan for how you will manage the impact of this situation.
- COVID-19 testing for people with disability: The Department of Health has released a fact sheet for support workers and carers of people with disability. The fact sheet covers who should be tested, where testing can be done, and how to explain the testing process to a person with disability.
- COVID-19 oral treatments: This Department of Health fact sheet provides information about COVID-19 oral treatments for people with a disability.
- Long COVID: This Department of Health fact sheet provides information and explains the different symptoms you may experience if you have Long COVID, where symptoms of COVID-19 remain.
- Information for families of a person with intellectual disability: This Department of Health fact sheet contains information to support families of a person with intellectual of developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Coronavirus Australia app: Download the official government ‘Coronavirus Australia’ app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Or join the Australian Government’s WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
- Department of Health updates: The Department of Health website has daily updates on COVID-19.
COVID-19 Infection rates reported to the NDIS Commission
Registered providers must notify the NDIS Commission of certain changes and events under sections 13 and 13A of the NDIS (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018, including notifying of impacts to their supports and services due to COVID-19.
The notifications enable the NDIS Commission to monitor infection rates of participants and workers, and support providers to link up with the NDIA or public health departments to access alternative support providers, additional workforce or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), where required.
Current data on infection rates of participants and workers, notified to the NDIS Commission is published on the Department of Health website.
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities
- The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a collection of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities about COVID-19.
- The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has a dedicated webpage with health alerts and links to COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- The First People’s Disability Network’s website contains information, resources and videos to help protect yourself, Elders, family and the community from COVID-19 and keep safe.
Link to NDIA information
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has a dedicated webpage for NDIS participants about COVID-19. They have also developed a series of animations about how to get the funding and services you need during COVID-19.
On 3 September 2020, the NDIS Commission and the NDIA jointly issued an open letter to all Victorian participants, their families and carers. It explains what to expect from providers, how to protect yourself and others, and where to complain if you are unhappy with the quality or safety of your supports or services. An Easy Read version of the letter is available.
Use trusted information sources
There is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19. Use trusted information sources only (such as Australian Government websites, the NDIA and the NDIS Commission). We only provide links to trusted products, services and information sources. Do not get tricked into a scam.
How to make a complaint about a provider
If you are unhappy with the quality or safety of your supports or services – whether or not these issues relate to COVID-19 – you can speak to us about your concerns. It is always okay to speak up.
You can make a complaint to us by:
- Phoning: 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines) or TTY 133 677. Interpreters can be arranged.
- National Relay Service and ask for 1800 035 544.
- Completing a complaint contact form.