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).
The Helpline is available for families, carers, support workers and services also.
You can contact the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787 to talk about your concerns in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). • If you are deaf or have a speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677
For example, you can 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 also 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 Information Helpline is free, private and fact-checked.
When you call the Disability Information 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.
For more information about the Disability Information Helpline, including Easy Read information about COVID-19, visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp
