On this page

Are you a family member or carer of a school aged NDIS participant? Click here to download a detailed version of this information from the NDIS website.

This information is written for disabled young Victorians who are NDIS participants.

A NDIS participant is a person who gets disability supports through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). Ask your family or Someone who looks after you and is not your parent.carer if you are not sure if you are a NDIS participant.

Some words below are written in We have used Tooltips throughout this webpage to help you understand what these words mean.bold and blue font. If you do not know what these words mean you can click on the word to find out.

Person walking outdoors with a walking stick. They are wearing a Vogmask.

COVID-19 and disability supports

The A new virus that is making people sick. COVID-19A serious disease that has spread around the world.pandemic has created many challenges for Victorians this year, especially disabled people.

There are new rules and Limits on how much or how often you can do something.restrictions that make it hard to do the things you normally would. But it is important that you still get the supports you need because of your disability. 

An image of a young person with their service dog alone on public transport

Changes to your disability supports

Your Things you need because of your disability. These things that let you live the life you want. Example: A communication device.disability supports may be different now than they were before COVID-19.

The NDIS has made some changes to make sure that you can still get the disability supports and services you need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, Jared used to go to the gym and do Physio is activities that help your mobility, like massage or exercises.physio, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, he now exercises at home.

Jared was able to use his The amount of money the NDIS will pay for your disability supports.NDIS budget to buy When something is cheap. You do not have to pay a lot of money to get it.low cost Items that can help you exercise and stay healthy. Example: A treadmill.fitness equipment that his A physio or physiotherapist is a trained person who does activities with you that help your mobility, like massage or exercises.physio recommended to exercise at home.

A teenage boy who uses a wheelchair sitting next to a man in a gym

Although your disability supports and services may be different, you should still be able to work towards achieving your Things that you want to do in the future.goals. 

Talk to the people who support you about the best ways to get the support you need. This may include:

  • creating activities, like exercise programs, you can do from home
  • borrowing equipment
  • meeting over the phone or online instead of in-person

Click here to read more about changes to NDIS supports.

It is important to speak up and tell people what you need. Watch the video below to learn how other disabled young people have spoken up and what advice they have for others.

Getting new disability supports

You may need new supports now that you did not need before COVID-19.

You may be able to use your NDIS plan to:

  • get support to meet people and join activities
  • spend more time with your support workers
  • learn new skills
  • buy Equipment that you need because of your disability. Example: A wheelchair.assistive technology  and equipment
  • support with Things that you like to do. Example: Reading a book. Self-care can also mean things that you do to stay healthy. Example: Brushing your teeth everyday.self-care

A teenager with Down syndrome next to a young women. They are baking.

Learning from home

Your school needs to make sure that you have the Items that you need to do something. Example: Textbooks.resources you need to learn from home. Talk to your teacher if something is not accessible for you and you need support.

If you cannot go to school because of COVID-19 you may be able to get extra support from your support workers.

Your support workers can:

  • work different hours than they normally would, like before or after school
  • spend more time with you at home
  • support you with the things you need to do each day, like getting dressed
  • help you learn new skills

A blonde teenager who is an amputee writing at a table

Self-care

Self-care and looking after yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic is more important than ever. 

Self-care can be as simple as spending time doing things you enjoy, like:

  • Reading a book 
  • Watching Netflix 
  • Crafts and art projects
  • Going for a walk or bike ride.

Illustration of self care activities like going for a walk, reading and drawing

There are many ways that the NDIS can help you with self-care.

You may be able to use your NDIS plan to:

  • Meet new friends or join a club
  • Do fun activities with your support worker
  • Learn new things
  • Look after yourself and stay healthy

3 people playing board games, including a wheelchair user & Auslan user

Looking after your mental health

Looking after your mental health and how you feel is important. 

Sometimes you may feel sad, worried or angry. You may not want to do the things you normally like doing. You may feel overwhelmed.

There is nothing wrong with feeling this way. Lots of people can feel this way. 

If you need support with your mental health you can talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member, about what might help.

An illustrations of a young person with dwarfism looking at some plants

Find out more

We have written a blog post for disabled young people in Victoria. It has useful resources and information about COVID-19. Click here to read our COVID-19 blog post.

The NDIS website has more information about what the NDIS is doing to support disabled people. Click here to visit the NDIS COVID-19 webpage.