Media Release: QDN launches new individual COVID-19 planning resource for people with disability
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) has worked with the University of Sydney to develop the COVID-19 Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (PCEP) planning tool, funded with support from the Queensland Government Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.
Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, Coralee O’Rourke and Paige Armstrong, (QDN CEO), discussed yesterday the valuable role the tool will play in supporting people with disability to understand what they need to do to stay safe and make a plan detailing how they can continue to get essential services during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Armstrong said ‘This is an important tool that will assist people with disability make a plan for how they will respond, together with their support network that includes family, friends and paid workers.”
“We all need to be prepared and know what to do before, during, and after an emergency. People with disability will need additional support, resources, or advocacy during this health emergency”, she went on to say.
QDN Board of Directors Chairperson, Nigel Webb said, “it’s really important at this time to ensure people have information and tools to get accurate facts about COVID-19 and what it means for us. The PCEP COVID-19 planning tool will assist people with disability to make our own individual COVID-19 plan to ensure we stay safe, connected and can continue to access essential supports, including disability supports, and services.”
To access this and other QDN COVID-19 resources, go to https://qdn.org.au/home/covid-19/make-a-plan/pcep/
Ms Armstrong said, “evidence demonstrates that people with disability are at higher risk in this pandemic, and experience additional barriers that are going to impact upon them throughout this time. It is critical that people can get accessible public health information to understand what they need to do and keep safe”.
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Media Contact: Paige Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer
T: 0408 720 099