Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the NDIA has responded quickly to government health advice, implementing a number of temporary measures to ensure participants continue to have access to essential supports.
The NDIA has reviewed these temporary measures to determine what is needed to safely deliver supports and services in a COVID normal situation.
Participants and providers in areas where public health orders require personal protective equipment (PPE) while supports are being delivered will be able to claim the cost of PPE, with some changes for provider claiming. At this time, Victoria is the only state or territory with this requirement.
Participant access to low cost assistive technology will continue and be monitored as participants and providers adapt to COVID normal.
The following COVID-19 supports have been extended nationally until 30 June 2021:
- COVID-19 positive participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements can access cleaning services and higher intensity support. These supports are also available to participants living in SIL who are required to self-isolate or quarantine.
- If a participant has a support worker attending their home who later tests positive to COVID-19, the participant can access a one-off deep clean.
- The provision of a clinical first responder service for SIL providers through Aspen Medical.
Other temporary measures will end on 28 February 2021:
- support coordination line items claimable under a participant’s Core budget – support coordination will still be available for all participants who have a reasonable and necessary need for it from their Capacity Building budget
- direct claiming to the NDIA by providers for disability support worker PPE.
The NDIA will continue to monitor outbreaks and may implement new measures if public health guidance changes.
More information about COVID normal operations and an updated Price Guide will be available soon.
Source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/6107-covid-normal-supports-participants-and-providers
