This Auslan video from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services with closed captions describes the impact of masks for communication for people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment. 

COVID and lockdown fatigue is real. We are all feeling a bit overwhelmed right now and it is easy, especially in the context of working from home, or not being able to work and having to manage home learning and our moods as well as keep up with the day to day changes. Here are some tips to practice and maintain self-care. 

No-interest loans are available through some government programs and charities to help people on low incomes get by in times of financial hardship. 

The COVID crisis has had a massive impact on our economy. IDEAS have put together a series of articles to help you to manage your money in these challenging times.

The National Debt Helpline provides free, confidential and independent financial counselling for any Australian who is experiencing financial difficulty.

This World Health Organisation (WHO) video discusses when and how to wear a face mask.

Have you heard of "Zoom"? It is a video communication tool that people are using to stay connected in times of isolation. You can see, hear, and talk to a friend or family member. Read on to learn how you can stay in touch through Zoom.

We know it seems like we only just sent our kids back to school, and the holidays are here AGAIN. Our IDEAS team have contributed to help get you through, from what we do with our own youngsters, to online opportunities, we pull together some new boredom busters for Winter 2020.

This video from the 10th July 2020 is the Victorian Chief Health Officer speaking about wearing of cloth face masks.

A video of how to make a cloth face mask, from The Social Studio, is recommended by DHHS via their youtube channel.

This animation with text, developed by the World Health Organisation describes how to wear a fabric mask safely.

The Royal Commission is examining the approach of the Australian Government and its agencies to the vaccination of people with disability and disability support workers in the context of the COVID-19 Vaccine rollout. 

COVID-19 may have changed how you work. If you are needed to work from home for the first time, this Australian Government Comcare Checklist can help you. It outlines hints for short term working from home arrangements.

We can all benefit from a few kind reminders about the balance of working from home during times of uncertainty. A balanced diet, regular exercise and sleeping well are essential for a good equilibrium for your head, heart, and body. It can be easy to fall into not-so-good routines and sometimes forget to find joy in little moments. We write about practices that are good and wholesome for quality of life when you work from home.

In a tea room conversation with a colleague (adhering to social distancing guidelines), Margaret* recounted a situation so perfectly relevant in today’s climate of social distancing in the wake of COVID-19. It was her Mum’s birthday and Margaret and her brother wanted to deliver a cake and present to her at her nursing home.

We all have the same priorities. We are all people doing our best to look after our families. We stay at home when we can. But, medical emergencies happen, life happens, and sometimes we still must travel. So, how can we travel safe?

Allison McMillan, Australia’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, covers common concerns for Disability Support Workers and demonstrates how and when to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for disability support workers.

The Australian Department of Health has launched a national campaign to help all Australians be informed and prepared for the coronavirus pandemic.

Nothing beats good old-fashioned hand washing as a way to avoid the spread of infections and diseases. With the current situation of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is more important than ever to practice good personal hygiene. However, if soap and water aren't available then a hand sanitiser may be the next best thing.