In light of the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, SCIA has implemented a SCIA Coronavirus Policy which outlines the additional precautionary measures we have undertaken, as well as helpful links for further information about the virus.

Changes to SCIA’s services

With this rapidly changing environment, our client’s health and wellbeing is extremely important to us. Therefore, SCIA has made changes to the way we are delivering our services. Please read the brief overview of service changes below. If you would like any more information, please contact our Customer Connect team on 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au.

NeuroMoves Exercise Service

Our NeuroMoves exercise service is temporarily suspending face-to-face sessions until further notice, following the recommendations from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the Australian Department of Health.

We have introduced an online Telehealth service to enable our therapists to continue our client’s therapy in the comfort of their own homes.

For further information about our Telehealth service click here or call us on 1800 819 775.

NDIS Support Services

Our NDIS Support Coordinators and Plan Managers based in Sydney, Illawarra and Northern Rivers, New South Wales, as well as Perth are still operating and will be contactable over the phone and via email.

Read answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we have recieved by our client, about our NDIS services during these challenging times.

We will work with clients to connect with essential supports, service providers and health professionals to develop a plan to ensure personal health and safety over the coming months in order to maintain continuity.

Policy & Advocacy

Our Policy and Advocacy team based in Sydney and Northern Rivers, New South Wales, are still operating and contactable over the phone and via email.

We are still here for those who need support and guidance for individual, systemic and self advocacy matters such as long and short term advocacy strategy, lobbying government bodies and providing you with the right advice and information.

Peer & Family Support

Our Peer and Family Support Team have an online health support service to keep you connected. Our lived experience staff give non-clinical advice and practical help for people with a spinal cord injury, especially during this time.

This is a free service where our Peer and Family Support team conduct confidential chats with yourself, or as well as family group sessions.

It is really important to stay in touch with those in your community. Our telehealth service offers the ideal opportunity to keep in touch with our Peer and Family Support team for much needed advice and support. We empower our clients with advice and information about topics such as day-to-day activities, socialising and bowel and bladder health.

To arrange a telehealth consultation please call our Customer Connect team on 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au

Employment

Our Employment Service has gone virtual. In this challenging time we want to continually support your journey toward work.

We will guide you through a flexible, interactive and practical program covering topics like effective job seeking, correct resume creation, how to self-market, interview training and supportive transitioning to work.

Please call our Customer Connect team on 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au to find out more.

Occasional & Emergency Service

Our Occasional and Emergency Service are our front line staff and we considered them to be an essential service during this time.

We have implemented additional precautions including checking the temperature of our staff at the start of each shift to monitor their health, provide our O&EC staff with additional PPE kits which include face masks, gloves and scrubs and we have increased the frequency of our general hygiene measures to ensure that we continue to operate in a safe way.

If you would like additional information about this service, please call 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au.

Information and Updates

Please click any of the links below to find out information relevant to you. If you need further support please contact us on 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au.

Australian Government’s Department of Health website

National Disability Insurance Scheme Disaster Response

Woolworths Priority Assistance Delivery Service

Coles Community Hour and Access to Everyday Essentials

Woolworths Community Hour information

COVID-19 Resources for people with a Disabilty

NDIS Commission coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Making a COVID-19 Plan – Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service/Queensland Government

Hygiene and Minimising Risk

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia would like to assure our clients and members that their safety and well being is of highest priority.

All SCIA staff will continue to practice high hygiene and risk minimising measures, and we encourage our clients to do the same.

This includes:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or using a 60% minimum alcohol-based hand sanitiser

Maintain 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others around you

Using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose area or cover with your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue immediately

People with coronavirus may experience:

fever

flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue

shortness of breath

We advise you to contact your local GP should you experience any/or all of the above symptoms, or refer to the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. for further information. This line is monitored 24 hours a day.

We would like to share with you the latest updates regarding your health, safety and wellbeing during this time.

SCIA appreciates your understanding and believes these measures will help in minimising the impact of associated health risks of coronavirus.

We will continue to monitor the status of coronavirus as the situation evolves and keep our clients updated on any changes to SCIA services, which may affect you directly.

For further information relating to your SCIA service, please contact our Customer Connect Team on 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au.