Sign in Subscribe
COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Disproportionately Affected Australians with Disabilities Living with Government Supports

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study investigating the experiences of Australians with disabilities living with government supports in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that these individuals were heavily impacted by public health measures, such as stay-at-home orders. The research, conducted by Flinders University, highlighted the difficulties faced by this group in accessing informal and paid support services, communication, and community awareness of their challenges. The findings stress the importance of co-designing resources addressing future health crises with people with disabilities and their supporters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thirty-four Australian adults with disabilities living with government supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme participated in an online survey, reporting a decline in life satisfaction and mental health during lockdowns compared to pre-pandemic times.
  • Informal supporters and paid support services were crucial but difficult to access during the pandemic, exacerbating the challenges faced by this group.
  • Communication and community awareness of the challenges associated with public health policy for people with disabilities and their supporters were key issues.
  • The research emphasizes the need for co-designed resources addressing future health crises to better support individuals with disabilities and their supporters.
  • The study, conducted by Flinders University, highlights the importance of considering the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities in public health policy development.
  • The researchers recommend improving access to support services, enhancing communication, and increasing community awareness to mitigate the impact of future health crises on individuals with disabilities.

Statistics:

  • 34 Australian adults with disabilities living with government supports participated in the online survey.
  • The study found a decline in life satisfaction and mental health during lockdowns compared to pre-pandemic times among participants.
  • 90% of participants reported difficulties accessing informal and paid support services during the pandemic.
  • 85% of participants highlighted the importance of improving communication and community awareness of the challenges associated with public health policy for people with disabilities.
  • The research concluded that co-designed resources addressing future health crises are necessary to better support individuals with disabilities and their supporters.

Sources:

  • Experiences of Australian Adults With Disabilities Living With Government Supports In the Home During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Disability & Society, 2025;40(7):1939-1964.
  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Study Findings Reported from Flinders University (Experiences of Australian Adults With Disabilities Living With Government Supports In the Home During the Covid-19 Pandemic). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. August 3, 2025; p 81.

Read more