The information on this page is regularly updated.

You can phone the NDIS Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 and select option 5 if your situation has changed due to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 accessible resources

You can access a range of information about COVID-19 in accessible formats.

The Australian Department of Health (DoH) has created easy read resources about COVID-19, including:

• Easy Read – How to do a rapid antigen test from your nose
• Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccination – What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccination – What to expect when you have your vaccination
• Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccine – Fact sheet about the third dose
• Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccination – Giving your consent

You can access a full range of easy read resources at the Department of Health website .

Inclusion Australia and its members have also produced a range of easy read resources to support people with disability.

The accessible information includes advice about COVID-19, rapid antigen testing and reporting, health planning information and mental health during COVID-19.

If you have a visual impairment, and you’re an NDIS participant, you can use your plan funding to get help reading RAT instructions and results.

There is a visual interpreter service  that offers free 30 minute interpreter sessions, to provide COVID-19 assistance, including reading RAT instructions and results.

Distribution of Rapid Antigen Test (RATs) to Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers

In early February 2022, an initial supply of more than 1.2 million RATs were distributed to NDIS providers delivering SIL supports to participants.

Over coming months, the NDIA will supply and distribute up to 5.5 million more Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits to support participants and workers in supported independent living (SIL) settings.

RATs are an important tool to help manage outbreaks and early detection in accordance to AHPPC guidance . 

Providers receiving regular RAT deliveries have been directly contacted by the NDIA, and will receive shipping updates from the delivery partner

RATs are also being sent to 43 remote and very remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

The tests complement the supplies provided by the Department of Health and recognises the current supply challenges in remote and very remote areas.

Other NDIS participants who have core supports can claim RAT costs from their plans and those that have a Commonwealth concession card can access free tests through participating pharmacies, as part of the RAT concession program.

Longer standing arrangements for distribution of RATs is ongoing as the supply increases.

COVID-19 vaccination

The Department of Health website (external) has information about COVID-19 vaccinations, including:

• vaccine doses
• eligible age groups
• access to different brands of COVID-19 vaccinations
• priority groups.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for people who are severely immunocompromised.

The fastest way to book is using the Department of Health Vaccine Clinic Finder .

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccination or booster dose, you should discuss these with your GP or doctor.

For further health information about COVID-19 in your location, we encourage you to refer to local health orders in your state or territory.

There are many ways that people with disability, their family members and carers, and disability workers can get vaccinated, including through Commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination services. 

Accessible vaccination clinics

Some states and territories provide additional services to make it easier for people with a disability to get vaccinated. Further information is available on the Department of Health website .

Vaccine enablement payments

Some providers can claima COVID-19 vaccination payment for assisting NDIS participants to access the COVID-19 vaccination and booster dose, including through their local pharmacy, GP, or other location such as a vaccination hub.

Learn more about vaccine enablement payment conditions and eligibility on the for providers - coronavirus (COVID-19) page.

Support

We want to ensure that all eligible NDIS participants, their carers and support workers are supported to overcome any barriers they may face and to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Your local GP or doctor can help answer any questions you may have. There are a range of additional free resources available:

• Disability Gateway

The Disability Gateway can answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and also make a booking for you to receive a vaccine. 

• Phone (free call): 1800 643 787
• Available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST). It is not available on national public holidays.
• If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
• National Coronavirus Helpline
  • Phone (free call): 1800 020 080 - select option 5
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
• Department of Health or your state or territory health department

Vaccination information is also available in Easy Read , Auslan and other languages .

State and territory COVID-19 resources

State and territory information and resources to assist with vaccination bookings is available through the links below:

ACT

• Disability - COVID-19

NSW

• COVID-19 information for people with disability

NT

• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Queensland

• Disability support workers and carers: Information about COVID-19

South Australia

• People with disability

Tasmania

• Disability information

Victoria

• Department of Health and Human Services Victoria

Western Australia

• COVID-19 coronavirus: Disability services

Improving airflow in indoor spaces

COVID-19 can spread quickly in crowded indoor spaces with limited or no airflow.

The Australian Department of Health (DOH) recommends improving airflow when you’re indoors to reduce your chance of exposure to COVID-19.

To improve airflow, you could open a window or door (where appropriate) to increase natural airflow in the room you’re in.

You could also consider using exhaust fans, air cleaning or other air purification devices.

If you’re considering making changes to your ventilation system, make sure you consult an experienced professional.

You should always consider what works for you, in your individual circumstances, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

For more information visit the Department of Health website .

COVID-19 temporary support measures

The NDIA has extended the following support measures to help participants and providers safely deliver and receive supports.

• participant vaccine and booster enablement payments – national
• more flexibility to help certain participants across all states and territories access meal preparation and delivery support
• access to low-cost assistive technology 
• one-off deep cleaning for support worker related COVID-19 diagnosis 
• direct claiming for cleaning services and additional self-isolation and COVID-19 cleaning services and additional self-isolation and COVID-19 diagnosis supports in supported independent living (SIL) 
• temporary price limit increases to recognise the ongoing cost of personal protective equipment 
• claiming for rapid antigen tests (RAT) through NDIS plans using core funding
• claiming for RAT for eligible participants and providers.

The NDIA will continue to review current arrangements and advise any future changes