NSW is reopening soon after several months of COVID lockdown. Anxiety is high as COVID hospitalisation is expected to rise. There are reasonable fears about what this might mean for vulnerable people who are not as protected. Think about your friends and family members with underlying health conditions. Think about vulnerable kids (0-11 years) who do not have vaccine to protect themselves. Think about the elderly. Importantly, think about people with disability.

People with disability have suffered disproportionately from COVID impacts. Social distancing and overstretched health care system have meant that many of the services that people with disability depend upon for day-to-day activities have disappeared. Most people with disability have lost access to community-based support services. For some, medical appointments have been placed on hold. Quality of life has deteriorated, and people are getting unwell and hospitalised not because of COVID, but because they cannot access adequate disability support. Mental health, job loss, and social isolation are on the rise. The issues are numerous.

So, as we reopen, we must remember people with disability and do our best to help support their wellbeing. What role will you play? What can you do to minimise the obstacles faced by people with disability? How are you ensuring the needs of people with disability are not neglected?

Whether you are a care giver, support worker, disability service provider, or just a concerned citizen, please remember to show genuine care, understanding, and compassion to people with disability. CLAE Disability Services will be doing just that in Wollongong and the Illawarra region. See a link to the range of disability support services we provide.