The NDIS has released new information on COVID-19 that includes:
- Easy read, language translations and FAQ’s
- Advice for participants
- Advice for providers.
NDIS have information in an Easy Read format on the NDIS website, about its response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The NDIS has also published translated versions of helpful information about coronavirus (COVID-19) in five different languages.
A number of frequently asked questions and answers are also available on the NDIS website and are updated as more information is available.
Good hygiene can prevent infection for most people. The Department of Health website has key resources to help understand if:
If you are an NDIS participant concerned about exposure to coronavirus, the Department of Health has a specific hotline to respond to enquiries: 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).
For those who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, use the National Relay Service to access any of the department’s listed phone numbers.
Visit the National Relay Service website or call: 1300 555 727 if you need translation and/or interpretation support. Translating and interpreting services are offered by the Australian Government on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The number of face-to-face meetings with NDIS participants is being reduced in line with the Australian Government’s advice in the COVID-19 national health response plan. Participants, families and carers can request alternatives to face-to-face meetings, if participants are concerned about exposure.
Both scheduled plan reviews and first plan meetings can be completed over the phone, if:
- the participant would prefer not to have a face-to-face meeting
- the participant has recently returned from overseas, or
- has come in contact with someone affected by COVID-19.
For further information on changes to service delivery, plans reviews and remote communities and large establishments visits refer to: frequently asked questions and Easy Read information.
For further information phone the NDIS Contact Centre on: 1800 800 110.
The Department of Health have provided specific advice for people who;
- ‘have returned from a country/region that is at higher risk for COVID-19 ’,
- work in a setting with vulnerable people
Providers are encouraged to regularly check the Department of Health and state or territory specific information, for latest advice.
The NDIS National and Quality and Safeguard Commission (NQSC) is providing regular advice to Registered NDIS providers and has links to Provider Alerts that contain important information for NDIS Providers about Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Providers are required to notify NQSC of any changes to the scale of their operations. They can do this by emailing: registrations@ndiscommission.gov.au or calling 1800 035 544.
When registering NDIS providers are required to ensure ‘continuity of support requirements’ and ‘risk management’ modules are in place. Providers should refer to the Commission Quality Indicators to ensure they are prepared.
The Department of Health has a new online Infection Control course. It is free. Learn about protecting from infection with coronavirus (COVID-19), by registering and completing the course online.
Helpful information and an Aided Language Display (ALD) around speaking with children about Coronavirus is available.
Ethnolink have created a library of multi-lingual resources together so Australians can access information in their preferred language about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ideas have created an information page on their website, and an information line, free call, 8am – 8pm: 1800 029 904.