Covid-19 reflections The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented global health and economic crisis. It has transformed how we work, live and connect with others across the community. 85
Key reflections Young people with intellectual disability are particularly vulnerable in the current crisis, even with Australia faring relatively well compared to other nations. This is due to the higher risk of illness for these young people given the prevalence of complex health conditions across the cohort; a strong reliance on formal and informal supports, which have and continue to face disruption; compounding challenges finding work; and enduring barriers to social inclusion, which are heightened with restrictions on social activities.86
41%
47%
People with disability who reported receiving less NDIS support during the Covid-19 crisis.
People with disability who reported receiving less non-NDIS support during the Covid-19 crisis.
A recent survey by People with Disability Australia found that, during the Covid-19 crisis, 41 per cent of people with disability reported receiving less NDIS support and a further 47 per cent reported receiving less non-NDIS support.87 Emerging issues and challenges faced by young people with intellectual disability due to the Covid-19 pandemic identified through interviews with sector leaders and a scan of publicly available information include the following:
Existing issues with service access and inclusion are exacerbated: Even before the pandemic, young people with intellectual disability experienced inequities in accessing critical
46 | Reaching Potential
Young people with intellectual disability are particularly vulnerable in the current crisis, even with Australia faring relatively well compared to other nations.
health and mainstream services due to system barriers and lack of inclusion in policy initiatives. With access to services restricted, changed or varied across the current period, including for young people with intellectual disability, this issue has become more pronounced even with the increasing use of e-health and telehealth practices. The Disability Royal Commission heard there was no mention of people with disability in the government’s first pandemic plan, with ongoing confusion on whether disability supports are included in the government’s definition of ‘essential’.88
Young people with intellectual disability are more vulnerable to abuse, violence and neglect, potentially escalated in times of crisis: People with intellectual disability are at a far greater risk of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect than their peers. There has been concern that lockdowns and restrictions may result in increased risk of harm. This is in part due to the expectation of reduced oversight and quality control mechanisms that increase risk of violence, abuse and neglect in congregated and closed residential settings.
Increased financial pressures for disability services during the crisis could threaten the sustainability and future viability of much needed supports: Having resilient services that can thrive during and after a crisis is integral to ensuring young people continue to receive services critical to sustaining a quality of life. However, charities are more vulnerable in times of crisis. A recent SVA and CSI study found that a 20 per cent fall in revenue would place 17 per cent of charities at risk of closing their doors within six months.89 With the mediumterm and long-term economic situation not known, the financial situation of many charities is at risk without continued government support and intervention. In the case of disability services, there is concern about the
