Statement of Concern - The response to the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disability (Auslan)

Statement of Concern

This is the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

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

We are aware that some people with disability are very anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their anxiety is made worse because they feel they are being left behind or ignored in government and community responses.

We call on all Australian governments to ensure their strategies in responding to the pandemic protect people with disability.

The Royal Commission has concerns for people with disability across a few areas. These include:

• Access to health care – including prevention, screening and treatment for COVID-19
• Access to essential services – including help with toileting, showering, sleeping and getting dressed
• Accessible information
• Access to food and nutrition
• Employment and income security

We are also concerned about the wellbeing of people with disability living in closed residential facilities, such as group homes, prisons and mental health facilities.

The Royal Commission appreciates and acknowledges the challenges that Australian governments and businesses face during this pandemic.

We call upon all governments to ensure that their responses include dedicated strategies to protect and support people with disability. 

Emergency planning and responses should include a specific strategy to provide the right guidance, support and funding to meet the needs of people with disability.

And all Australian governments should seek input from people with disability, disability experts and advocates in developing their strategy.

For more information and to read the full statement, visit our website.