The Australian Government Department of Health has created a webpage with comprehensive information on Coronavirus Advice for People with Disability, where you can find a range of resources that will assist you in supporting people with disability during the pandemic. It includes easy to read brochures and Auslan videos about COVID-19 that people with disability may find useful.

Clients can also access:

• The Australian Government Department of Social Services' Disability Information Helpline to support people with disability, their families and carers during COVID-19. This helpline provides information and referrals as well as easy to read resources about the pandemic.
• Easy read versions of official government Coronavirus resources on the Information Access Group website.
• The Information Access Group's easy read magazine with information and tips for people with disability at home.

No. The TAC cannot fund Community Group Programs to be established, monitored or facilitated online. If you have concerns about a client being increasingly isolated because of COVID-19 you should discuss alternative support options with the client (e.g. family and friends). If you have concerns about a client’s safety due to isolation resulting from the pandemic you should discuss this with the client and their assigned TAC claims manager.

Distribution of the NMS for General Practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists is being undertaken by Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across Australia. PHNs are required to follow guidelines around which healthcare providers can access the stockpile and who will be prioritised. If PPE cannot be accessed through commercial channels they should contact the relevant PHN in their region.

Providers of residential care, including TAC funded disability supported accommodation, should submit requests for PPE directly to the Department of Health and Human Services via the Requests for Personal Protective Equipment webpage.

The TAC cannot pay for a client’s groceries during the pandemic.

We can consider paying for the delivery of groceries if the need is related to the client's transport accident injuries. We cannot pay for the delivery of groceries if the need is only related to COVID-19.

Client are encouraged to get support from their family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the client does not have any supports available, the Victorian Government is working with supermarkets to ensure vulnerable community members have access to food and other essential items during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information about the measures in place to assist people with priority access and delivery services is on the DHHS Access to Food and Other Essential Items webpage.

There are many online resources that you can refer clients to that will assist them in eating well and staying active while staying at home.

The VicHealth blog has information about healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing.

The Premier’s Active April website has cardio, strength and core workouts that can be done at home.

Aerobase has launched an online aerobics program for adults and children with disability.

No, the payment of overtime is a provider management responsibility and decision. Providers should take into account staff OH&S arranging staff overtime.

The TAC has introduced two financial support measures to help Attendant Care and Shared Supported Accommodation providers remain viable and retain staff during the COVID-19 outbreak:

• bringing forward the 2020-21 indexation of 3.91% to 6 April from 1 July, and
• a 5% temporary loading to 30 June 2020.

These additional supports are able to be applied flexibly by providers in supporting continued service delivery to TAC clients.