THROUGH MICHAEL'S EYES A participant's perspective on COVID-19
With the introduction of new laws, one of which being working at home, I wondered if my supports would continue from RLOA and as to how they were going to handle this situation. This made me wonder if I am at risk of contracting this infection and indeed, how much of a risk was I at? I was concerned my supports would stop, as I am aware my Lifestyle Support Workers fill in shifts with other participants from time to time. How would the proposed social distancing work when they have, in some cases, a number of participants? This turned my thinking to the possibility of actually catching the disease and how it would affect me without the support I receive on a daily basis from RLOA; these were worrying thoughts indeed. At this point I was searching for direction and RLOA came through with a well thought out response that took into consideration, not only the wellbeing of all participants and families, but employees alike, and this recognises the fact that, “We are all in it Together”. It was this response that was the subject of a communication from RLOA, sent to all participants and their families. It gave the pledge to continue all supports with as little disruption as possible, however it also outlined some changes that needed to be made in order to protect us all.
One morning I was listening to the news on the radio where a story of a respiratory virus had been detected in China and it was feared it would spread throughout the country and some were even suggesting, an international spread of this virus. I recall thinking that it was just an illness, one of many no doubt doing the rounds of China and as such, I was not at all worried about this virus getting to Australia. Shortly after, the first news reports came about the virus arriving in Australia and infecting Australians, it had been given the name of COVID-19 yet I was still unconvinced of its dangers. Initially I thought the reaction from the government was uncalled for, I did not understand the dynamics nor the deadly consequences of the, what was now, a pandemic. I became more concerned with the reports of infected people overseas and to hear Australia’s infection rate was also increasing. There were many news stories reporting the spread and affect of the COVID-19 but the one that affected me the most as a NDIS participant, was that the NDIS have agreed to extend all participants’ support-plans and funding for another twelve months at its current level.
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