Staying safe
Some people with disability are at a higher risk from COVID-19.
Read the NSW Health advice for people at higher risk of severe illness.
You can do things to help avoid getting sick, like:
- staying a safe distance from people you don’t live with (except your carers and support workers)
- washing your hands often
- wearing a face mask if you can
- staying at home if you are sick.
People who might have COVID-19 can:
- have a fever
- have a cough
- have a sore throat
- have a runny nose
- find it hard to breathe
- find it hard to smell and taste things.
If you have any of these, you should call your GP (doctor) or the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.
Vaccinations for people with disability
NSW Health recommends getting vaccinated to help protect yourself and your family and friends.
Talk to your pharmacist, GP (doctor) or Aboriginal Medical Service about your needs and your vaccination options.
If you have completed your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination, check if you are eligible to get a booster vaccination.
Some people, including residents in disability care facilities, are also now eligible to receive an additional booster (second booster).
Book your vaccination
Find an accessible clinic that meets your needs then book your appointment.
If you have concerns or questions, you can call the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787. It’s a free information and referral service for people with disability, families, support workers and carers.
You can also call the vaccination helpline for advice on 1800 020 080.
Vaccinations for disability support workers
Disability support workers, including volunteers, are required to be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Find out more about this requirement from NSW Health.
Disability Gateway
You can call the Disability Gateway if you need help because of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
National Relay Service
Communicate with voice callers if you are hard of hearing, deaf, deafblind or have speech impairment.
Service NSW
Call for information and support from the NSW Government during COVID-19 (coronavirus).
How to look after yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19. Includes looking after your mental health too.
If you need to go to hospital, you will notice some things have changed. Here’s information on what to expect when you go to hospital during COVID-19.
Most people will need to get a COVID-19 test at some point. Find out what is involved, where to get the test and when to expect your results.
If you have been in contact with somebody who has COVID-19, you might be asked to self-isolate at home. You can't leave home unless you need to get tested for COVID-19 or it’s an emergency. Find out more about self-isolating.
If you are supporting someone with disability, there are things you can do to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-language educational resources on COVID-19 for communities and health workers.
For people who use Easy Read resources
Links to information about COVID-19 in easy to read formats with pictures and words.
You might prefer the Easy Read resources if you find it difficult to read for any reason.
For people with vision impairment
Resources for people with vision impairment or blindness.
- Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) - Blind Citizens Australia weekly update on COVID-19
- COVID-19 safety guidelines - information from Vision Australia about important changes and resources to help you stay safe and connected.
For people who are deaf or have hearing impairment
AUSLAN resources
COVID-19 information and services that can help people with hearing impairment.
Australian Government Department of Health AUSLAN resources.
- Looking after yourself
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) accessible resources
- Support for your situation
- Disability Information Helpline
- Who else can you talk to?
- Coronavirus: important information for NDIS participants
NSW Health AUSLAN resources
Resources for carers
If you are supporting and caring for someone with disability, there are resources to keep informed about COVID-19, the rules and tips for staying healthy.
- Looking after your mental wellbeing
- Carer Gateway (Australian Department of Social Services)
- NDIS carer and participant information (NDIS)
- Information for people with disability and their supporters (Australian Department of Social Services)
Related information
Contacts
Links
- Call Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787
- Call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
- Call Service NSW 7am - 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 5pm on weekends and public holidays
- National Relay Service website
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
- Access to information for people with disabilities and supporters