Business Position Statement - COVID19
18-Aug-2020
disAbility Living is taking a cautious, proactive approach to containment and prevention of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We continuously monitor reliable information sources and are aiming to be responsive in our social responsibility to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
In responding to the Government’s directives, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily postpone some services. Alternative modified supports are available to those impacted. The following programs will close for business and not be available until further notice:
Groups and Centre Based activities and Community based programs, including
-
Interchange Community Mentoring
-
Camps including Breakaway, Eighteens & Teens
-
School Holiday Programs
-
Saturday group programs/ daytime respite for children
-
Tailored respite (in the community)
-
Most Short Term Accommodation (Respite) services
We understand that suspension of these programs and services may cause difficulties for some clients and their families. Therefore we are offering in-home style support and online engagement methods as alternatives.
Lifestyle checks will be completed with all clients to determine any essential supports that may be required and work with individuals develop alternative support arrangements.
Clients who attend Day Options or Employment Services are encouraged to seek advice from their provider or workplace to clarify their response to the COVID19 pandemic and how this impacts on the services and support they provide. We need to ensure an informed decision regarding ongoing attendance is made in collaboration with key stakeholders. This is particularly relevant for clients living in shared accommodation arrangements
Our Developmental Educators are available to provide support with changes to routines, behaviour support plans, skills development and therapy services. Most of this support will be facilitated online and the DESS Team will contact you to discuss your support and service options. Alternatively please feel free to contact 81325400 to seek their support.
To protect the health and safety of clients and staff, we have isolated one of our service locations in the event we are required to temporarily separate clients living in shared accommodation. We are also working with the NDIA to respond to requests for emergency support services.
We are committed to ensuring the safety of our workforce and have a range of supports to ensure staff are kept informed, their families can be supported, and potential risks of infection are managed. This includes working from home arrangements for staff who do not provide direct support.
Our primary concern is to keep people safe whilst maintaining essential services to those who need them. We encourage clients, staff and key stakeholders to listen to and act on Government advice which includes social distancing and to self-isolate where ever possible.
Anita Bayford, Chief Operations Officer, Acting CEO
Sandra di Blasio, Chairperson
disAbility Living
