The Disability Information Helpline provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Australian Government understands that people with disability may be feeling overwhelmed, frightened or confused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and related public health measures.
There is a lot of information about coronavirus on television, in the media and online, and it may be difficult to find the right information.
With this in mind, the Australian Government has established the Disability Information Helpline to provide information and referrals for people with disability. It can help families, carers and support workers, too.
About the Disability Information Helpline
The Disability Information Helpline provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Disability Information Helpline is staffed by people who understand and who have worked with people with disability. They will listen, answer people’s questions, fact check, and find information for people. They can also refer them to counselling, advocacy, or other services if needed.
People can contact the Disability Information Helpline by calling 1800 643 787, through the National Relay Service on 133 677, or via the livechat function.
A person having a medical emergency should call 000.
People who require support in another language, can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) free of charge by:
calling the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 and asking for an interpreter. The counsellor will make the arrangements, or
calling TIS on 131 450 and asking to be connected to the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787.
You can contact the Disability Information Helpline to talk about your concerns in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19), for example if:
your support worker has not turned up
your provider has stopped services
it’s hard for you to get food, groceries, medications or other essential items
someone close to you has symptoms of coronavirus
you are feeling really upset
anything else is worrying you.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
How can you support people with disability right now?
Many people with disability – and their families, carers, support workers and providers – may be concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Disability Information Helpline is free, private and fact-checked.
When you call the Disability Information Helpline, you will speak to a person who will:
Listen carefully to you.
Use their connections to find things out, check the facts, and get information for you.
Transfer you to services that can help you.
Transfer you to a phone counsellor for emotional support, if you would like.
Give you clear and accessible information.
For more information about the Disability Information Helpline, including Easy Read and Auslan resources about coronavirus, click here.
Latest Government coronavirus information
For the latest Government advice and information about coronavirus, visit the Australian Government website at australia.gov.au
Auslan videos
Advice translated into Auslan is available at disabilitygateway.gov.au.
Translated resources
Australian Government information about coronavirus is available in a range of languages: visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
SBS also has information in 63 languages: visit the SBS website.
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Australian Government information about coronavirus for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available on the Department of Health website.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN) have information and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
All information provided by the Australian Government.
