Many people with disability – and their families, carers, support workers and providers – may be concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
A new service called the Disability Gateway (originally known as The Disability Information helpline) is available for people with disability who need help because of the CoronaVirus (COVID-19).
It can help families, carers, support workers and services, too.
You can contact the Disability Gateway Helpline on 1800 643 787 to talk about your concerns in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). For example, call the Helpline if:
- your support worker has not turned up
- your provider has stopped services
- it’s hard for you to get food, groceries, medications or other essential items
- someone close to you has symptoms of coronavirus
- you are feeling really upset
- anything else is worrying you.
The Helpline can refer people to advocacy, counselling, and other supports people may need.
The Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST). It’s not available on national public holidays.
The Disability Gateway Helpline is free, private and fact-checked.
When you call the Disability Gateway Helpline, you will speak to a person who will:
- Listen carefully to you.
- Use their connections to find things out, check the facts, and get information for you.
- Transfer you to services that can help you.
- Transfer you to a phone counsellor for emotional support, if you would like.
- Give you clear and accessible information.
If you have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation, and you are distressed or anxious about coronavirus, the Helpline can put you in touch with a phone counselling specialist who helps people experiencing distress. The counsellor can also refer people to longer term trauma counsellors for ongoing support.
For more information about the Disability Information Helpline, including Easy Read and Auslan resources about coronavirus, visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp
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