3 September 2021

 Coronavirus (COVID-19): Extension of temporary suspension of disability day programs in New South Wales

The NSW Government has issued updated guidance that applies to disability providers and workers in New South Wales.

Key points

• All disability day programs in New South Wales remain suspended. Day programs should cease all activities in group settings, unless non-attendance would result in a risk of harm to a person with disability or others. 
• Additional advice will be provided by the NSW Government before 10 September 2021 if there is a need to extend these arrangements.
• Notify the NDIS Commission of any significant changes to services or supports as a result of the new restrictions.

Extension of temporary suspension of disability day programs in Greater Sydney

All disability day programs in New South Wales remain suspended. Day programs should cease all activities in group settings, unless non-attendance would result in a risk of harm to a person with disability or others.

Additional advice will be provided by the NSW Government before 10 September 2021 if there is a need to extend these arrangements.

We encourage you stay up to date with further changes by visiting the disability service provider page on the NSW Heath website.

Where a day program has been suspended, providers should consider online service delivery.

A day program may continue if non-attendance would result in a risk of harm to the person with disability or others – this means where the participant’s mental health or behaviour might be significantly impacted by a change in routine for this period, or they would otherwise be at risk of harm through non-attendance. If activities are continued for this reason, day program providers should provide individual activities and avoid group interactions (unless participants are from the same household), as well as apply COVID-19 infection prevention protocols.

We have previously published a factsheet that explains how to prevent the escalation of behaviours of concern and the use of restrictive practices during COVID-19 isolation. 

You must notify the NDIS Commission of any change or event that significantly affects your ability to comply with any of your conditions of registration, including compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. You must use the COVID-19 notification of events form to report these changes.

Communication about these changes

You should contact the participants that you support who are affected by these temporary changes and confirm what arrangements will be in place to support them during this period.

Our COVID-19 information pack suggests ways to establish COVID-19 communication channels.

You should also communicate with your workers to ensure they clearly understand what these changes are, and how they affect the supports and services delivered to participants.

NDIA advice on plans and claiming

As day program providers are encouraged to consider online delivery were possible, if a participant requires changes to their plan to ensure continuity of support (such as purchasing equipment to access online support), the participant should contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and choose ‘5’ when prompted. The NDIA will provide individualised guidance and support, including adjusting plans, as needed.

Notification of changes or events

You must notify the NDIS Commission of any change or event that significantly affects your ability to comply with any of your conditions of registration, including compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. You must use the COVID-19 notification of events form to report these changes.

Your requirements to notify the NDIS Commission of reportable incidents under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018 are separate from the COVID-19 notification of changes or events and remain unchanged.  

NDIS Commission COVID-19 information and resources

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) information webpage on the NDIS Commission website contains links to updates, training, alerts and other resources.

We also have a COVID-19 webpage containing information for people with disability, and a webpage of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for all stakeholders.

Contact us

Call: 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines). Our contact centre is open 9.00am to 5.00pm (9.00am to 4.30pm in the NT), Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Email: contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au

Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au