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

<p><b><br></b><b>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.</b></p> <p><br></p><p>On 15 March we <a href="https://credh.org.au/news-events/covid-19-and-people-with-disabilities/">made recommendations to government</a> 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<i> Disability Reform Council </i>(28 March) and the media release of <i>Minister Robert</i> (21 March), there are still many areas of concern that threaten the wellbeing of people with disability, their families and the disability support workforce.</p><p><br></p> <p>In particular, we note the apparent lack of an integrated disability and health service response.</p><p><br></p> <p>The <b>health sector</b> is still underprepared to meet the health care needs of people with disability. <br><br>This paper highlights concerns from researchers at the Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health. <br><br></p><p><a></a><br>Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health Position Paper #2 on COVID-19 and Disability Sector, 24 March 2020</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Read full statement on line<br><br></b></p><p>https://credh.org.au/disability-and-health-sectors-need-a-coordinated-response-during-covid-19/<br></p><p><b><br>More information about our COVID-19 Research and Advocacy: <br><br></b>https://credh.org.au/projects/covid-19-and-people-with-disability-in-australia/</p><p><br><br></p>