We give you some resources that are helpful for people with intellectual disabilities who either test positive to COVID-19 or are close to a COVID-19 person, plus some resources for workers.
What if a family member or the person with a disability develops symptoms of COVID-19?
If you believe your family member or another member in your family may have COVID-19:
- Help them call, or call on their behalf, their doctor or the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080
- Seek advice on testing, treatment and how to reduce the risk of passing the virus on to others - the helpline can give you this information
- Decide if there is a need for mobilisation of alternative supports. If the person suspected of having COVID-19 usually provides support to your family member, put in place other support.
- If you need more information about testing, or disability-related questions the Disability Information Helpline operates weekdays 8 am – 8 pm. IDEAS form part of the team. The Helpline can help families, friends, carers and support workers, too. You can connect to the Helpline in the following ways: Phone (free call): 1800 643 787. Through the National Relay Service (NRS) on 133 677. For interpreting call the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 and ask for an interpreter, or call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and ask to connect to the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787.
To chat online, click on the live chat button in the bottom right corner.
Resources to support you
If you think you have COVID-19, Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) resources may be useful.
An easy read guide that explains symptoms, testing, what happens if you test positive, and what your support workers must do. If you think you have coronavirus
If you think you have Coronavirus - Easy Read PDF version
And, this guide relates to Looking after your health. With topics like access to your Doctor, physical health and mental health, and actions that hospital staff and health people must do.
- Looking after your health PDF version
Australian Government Health Advice for families talks about actions to take to prepare, explain and act. Information for Families.
- Information for Families PDF Version
Australian Government Department of Social Services.
An easy read fact sheet about when to get tested, what happens when you get tested, and what you need to do after you get tested.
NSW Health Easy read on How to Self Isolate and link to resources from NSW health COVID-19 Information for People with a Disability.
The NDIS Commission Easy Read Coronavirus Information for NDIS participants details
- what you can expect from your providers
- how to stay safe
- how you can make a complaint to the NDIA.
Easy Read Coronavirus Information for NDIS participants PDF Version
Easy Read Coronavirus Information for NDIS participants Word Version
Books Beyond Words has a range of books that can be downloaded for free.
The books are picture stories and illustrated guides to support people with learning disabilities and autism through the coronavirus pandemic.
A short wordless story, that will help people to understand what to do if you have Coronavirus and how to keep yourself and those who you care about safe. The story also shows how to safely help others who may be self-isolating.
- Having a Test for Coronavirus
- Having a Test for Coronavirus at a Drive Through Centre
Mental health, end of life and bereavement resources
- Let’s talk about…when someone is ill or dies from coronavirus
- Jack Plans Ahead for Coronavirus
- When Someone Dies from Coronavirus
For Health Care Professionals
Webinar
Supporting, testing and treating people living with an intellectual disability through COVID-19: Free Webinar (55 minutes). It features Dr Jacqueline Small Developmental Paediatrician and Clinical Lead, Specialised Team for Intellectual Disability Sydney (STRIDES) and Ms Merryn John, Program Manager South Eastern Sydney Specialised for Intellectual Disability Health Team. Watch youtube recording here
COVID-19 Health Professionals Disability Advisory Service - Free Call: 1800 131 330
This service provides specialised advice to health professionals responsible for the medical care of people with disability diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms. Health professionals can call from 8 am to 9 pm (AEST) Monday to Friday. This service is available until 17 November 2020.
More COVID-19 Resources
IDEAS have collected a full guide of easy resources in our blog Easy English Coronavirus COVID-19 Resources. We cover resources from children to adults and topics from wearing a mask, regulations, state and territory information, planning, and mental health supports.
Health Passports is another useful read.
