COVID-19 policy action required to protect people with disability in Australia

There is an urgent need for the disability and health sectors to develop a coordinated response that protects the health of over 4 million Australians with disability.

On 15 March we made recommendations to government for significant measures to protect people with disability and the disability support workforce in the COVID-19 pandemic. While we welcome the outcomes of the Disability Reform Council (28 March) and the media release of Minister Robert (21 March), there are still many areas of concern that threaten the wellbeing of people with disability, their families and the disability support workforce.

In particular, we note the apparent lack of an integrated disability and health service response.

The health sector is still underprepared to meet the health care needs of people with disability.

This paper highlights concerns from researchers at the Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health.

Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health Position Paper #2 on COVID-19 and Disability Sector, 24 March 2020

Read full statement on line

https://credh.org.au/disability-and-health-sectors-need-a-coordinated-response-during-covid-19/

More information about our COVID-19 Research and Advocacy:

https://credh.org.au/projects/covid-19-and-people-with-disability-in-australia/