Canberrans with disabilities will have more support after the Australian Cabinet approved the Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability. The plan provides guidance on a range of factors that need to be considered in managing and preventing the transmission of COVID-19 for people with disabilities.
Minister for Disability, Suzanne Orr said that the ACT Government recognises the substantial impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities and disability service providers.
“We know that people with disability have specific needs and support that cannot be addressed without a direct, targeted plan. That’s why it was so crucial for both health and disability sectors to work out this strategy, to make sure that essential services continue uninterrupted during this period,” Minister Orr said.
“The ACT Government worked with state, territory and Commonwealth governments on this plan to ensure that the unique needs of each jurisdiction are met. We will continue to work with our interstate and Commonwealth partners to ensure that the plan is implemented in consultation with Canberrans living with disability, their carers and support providers.
The plan will be reviewed and updated throughout the COVID-19 emergency and in line with the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Coronavirus.
“This plan reflects a recognition by all Australian governments that people with disability are particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether through service disruption or because they are at risk of poor outcomes from the disease due to underlying health conditions,” said ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith.
