Statement of ongoing concern - The impact of and responses to the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disability

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Statement of ongoing concern

The impact of and response to the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disability

Background

In March 2020 the Disability Royal Commission issued a ‘statement of concern’ about the impact of COVID-19 on people with disability. We have also held 2 hearings on COVID-19.

We are still very concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on people with disability.

The Omicron variant, plus the easing of restrictions as part of the government’s strategy of ‘living with COVID’ has created ongoing problems for people with disability.

People with disability are still not being prioritised when it comes to receiving health care, support at home and vaccines.

Lots of organisations have raised concerns about the health, safety and wellbeing of people with disability.

And through the media we have heard frightening experiences of people with disability who have been neglected and exposed to harm, because they haven’t been able to access to important services and supports.

Key concerns

We are gathering information about this. Some of our key concerns include:

  • The way people with disability have been de-prioritised overall and the lack of regard for their health and wellbeing.
  • Access to vaccinations and boosters for people with disability and disability support workers.
  • Disruptions and access to disability and critical health services, as well as essential supports, due to staff being impacted by COVID-19.
  • Lack of equipment, eg Rapid Antigen Tests, PPE; and not enough accessible information or interpreting services for people with disability.
  • Fears and isolation for people with disability needing to stay at home for long periods.
  • Not enough oversight of places like group homes to make sure people with disability are safe.

Next steps

In March we will release an issues paper that provides more details on these concerns.

We are seeking feedback about the Omicron wave from people with disability, their families and carers. We encourage people to respond to the Issues Paper when it is released.     

To read our full statement and for more information, visit our website.

disability.royalcommission.gov.au