How we can help Advice COVID-19 / Coronavirus Updates Keep up to date with the NI Direct's information and advice Keep up to date with the Northern Ireland Executive information and advice Keep up to date with the UK Government's information and advice Keep up to date with the HSCNI information and advice Download Mencap's Easy Read Guide on Coronavirus Useful websites for Employers Disability Action are aware of the pressures, anxiety and stress being caused to all in our global community in respect of COVID–19 (Coronavirus). We are also very aware of the impact this is having on disabled people. The Disability Action team is here to help. We are working remotely to ensure continuity of service and to support as many disabled people as possible during this challenging period. You can still email [email protected] or call 028 9029 7880 and you will be put in touch with the relevant person. We will update this COVID-19 / Coronavirus page regularly with news, information and advice for our members and all disabled people and their carers. Together As One. Nothing About Us Without Us! OUR SURVEY HAS NOW CLOSED: Covid-19 - The impact on disabled people in Northern Ireland. Our COVID-19 Survey has been one of the largest and most far reaching pieces we have undertaken. We will be working at pace to break this data down and provide an overview of how COVID-19 is really affecting our community. This will be shared publicly including with the Executive alongside recommendations. 30.06.2020 Minister Mallon confirms resumption of Disability Action Transport Services Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that Disability Action Transport Services will resume passenger transport activities from 1 July. Read more. Click here to read Disability Action's 10-step guide to passengers. 18.06.2020 Disability Action seeks clarity on the Blue Badge Scheme Expiration and Renewal - Disability Action Influencing This week we have written an open letter to Dr Andrew Murray, Deputy Secretary, Department for Infrastructure, to seek clarity for our community, who are now contacting us in increasing numbers to find out what the Department’s plans are for minimising disruption and delays around Blue Badge applications/renewals. Read more. 17.06.2020 Food Parcel Service to be extended for those medically shielding As part of the transition from an emergency response, Minister Hargey had decided to invest £1.5m in an extension to the food parcel programme beyond 26 June for those currently receiving a food box who have been asked to shield by their GPs and have no other help to access food. Read more. 12.06.2020 Government and charities join forces to support mental wellbeing A NEW virtual wellbeing hub to promote positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched. Read more. 09.06.2020 Motability Operations is resuming operational activities in accordance with the government timeline for easing COVID-19 restrictions On Tuesday 9th June – dealers in Northern Ireland will be able to progress applications from ‘Pending’ to ‘Insurance’. Read more about the Coronavirus dealer statement and FAQs 29.05.2020 Chancellor extends Self-Employment Support Scheme and confirms furlough next steps The government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be extended, giving more security to individuals whose livelihoods are adversely affected by coronavirus in the coming months. Chancellor also outlines further details on the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including improved flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time in July, and a new taper requiring employers to contribute modestly to furloughed salaries from August. Read more. 20.05.2020 Disability Action welcome the publication of the Department of Health’s Mental Health Action Plan and COVID-19 Mental Health Response Plan - Disability Action Response This represents another very clear signal of the importance of addressing the ongoing and potential future impact of the pandemic on our entire community’s mental health. Read more. 19.05.2020 Minister Hargey secures £10m for Supporting People providers Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced an additional £10m to support vulnerable individuals, who can be particularly at risk during the Covid-19 emergency, to continue to live independently. Read more. 07.05.2020 Hargey - Executive committed to support charity sector during Covid19 crisis Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has said that she plans to launch a Covid19 Charities Fund, valued in the region of £15million, to help support those local charities that have been negatively impacted by the current Covid 19 crisis. Read more. 30.04.2020 Disability Action welcome Minister Swann's full endorsement of key principles on right to treatment during COVID-19 - Disability Action Influencing We are pleased that the Minister has responded so swiftly to us on this and that he has fully publicly endorsed these principles. The Minister’s response is crucial at this time of great anxiety and distress for our community. Read more. 29.04.2020 Mallon announces Driver and Vehicle Agency contact point to assist customers during covid-19 Minister Mallon has launched a customer email to support customers with DVA queries given the ongoing disruption and challenges due to covid-19. Read more. 24.04.2020 NHS111 Remote Interpreting Service launched A free remote interpreting service for British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) users to access NHS111 and health and social care services during COVID-19 has launched. Click here for more info and to connect to a remote video interpreter. 24.04.2020 Ministers announce protection of family-related statutory payments for furloughed workers Economy Minister Diane Dodds and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey today announced changes to regulations which mean that people who are entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Paternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Shared Parental Pay will not be disadvantaged if they are furloughed. Read more. 22.04.2020 Open Letter from Disability Action to Minister Swann et al - Disability Action Response In the current absence of an ethical framework, we have today written an open letter to Minister for Health Mr Robin Swann, Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and Chief Social Worker Mr Sean Holland – seeking their public commitment to a number of fundamental NHS Principles. Read more. 20.04.2020 Coronavirus: £25,000 Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant Registration is now open for businesses to apply for the £25,000 Business Grant Scheme for the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. Read more. 14.04.2020 Hargey announces £500,000 for sports clubs and sporting organisations Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has today launched a £500,000 Hardship Fund for the sports sector. Read more. 09.04.2020 Public Health Agency - Everyone in Northern Ireland should now stay at home Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. The best way to do this is to stay at home. Read more. 06.04.2020 Housing Executive rent increase put on hold due to Covid-19 Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has taken urgent steps to put the Housing Executive rent increase on hold. Read more. 05.04.2020 Hargey Announces Thousands to Benefit from Food Parcels Service Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has announced that in the coming days a new weekly service commence which will see 10,000 food boxes being delivered to the most vulnerable in society during the COVID-19 lockdown. Read more. 02.04.2020 Disability Action deeply concerned by recent BMA Guidance ‘COVID-19: ethical issues - Disability Action Response Whilst we continue to fully support our dedicated medical professionals and urge all people to isolate; as an organisation we now urge the British Medical Association (BMA) to reconsider the guidance it has produced as a matter of urgency. Read more. 01.04.2020 DATS providing new Collection & Delivery and Transport services - Disability Action Service Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS) are offering new services to both members and non-members during this very difficult COVID-19 period. Read more. 31.03.2020 COVID-19 Community Helpline A Freephone Helpline to assist those in vulnerable groups to access information, advice and guidance in relation to COVID-19 is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week. The Helpline is local to Northern Ireland and is managed by Advice NI. Read more. 31.03.2020 Public Health Agency Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus - in British Sign Language (BSL) 31.03.2020 Public Health Agency Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus - in Irish Sign Language (ISL) 30.03.2020 The Prime Minister's letter to the nation on coronavirus The Prime Minister is writing to every UK household to urge them to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. RNIB have reproduced the letter as an accessible Word document for anyone to download. Read more. 29.03.2020 Coronavirus advice for people with a learning disability A booklet explaining the latest government advice on coronavirus is available in an easy read format. Download the booklet here. 26.03.2020 Coronavirus: Financial aid for self-employed Self-employed workers facing financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus are set to be offered a package of support from the government. Read more. 26.03.2020 Coronavirus: Business Support Grant Schemes Registration is now open for businesses to apply for the £10,000 Small Business Grant Scheme. Read more. 26.03.2020 Update on Free School Meals Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Education Minister Peter Weir have announced plans to make sure families do not experience hardship as a result of schools closing. Read more. 26.03.2020 Petition for the government to consider social care as equally important to NHS Disability Action understand the important and (often unseen) role social care plays in allowing our community to live and enjoy life just like every other citizen. When social care is threatened, particularly at times of societal crisis – we must all be ready to defend it . There needs to be a re-think of social care and the value that is attributed to it. It is integral, not separate. Please sign the petition - to get parliament to debate how to support social care during COVID-19 and beyond so that it automatically has the same access to operational and financial support. Read more. 25.03.2020 NICE updates rapid COVID-19 guideline on critical care - Disability Action Response On 23rd March Disability Action called on NICE to include specific further guidance in partnership with Disabled people and their organisations. It is important our healthcare professionals have guidance which includes and fully reflects disabled people in the difficult times ahead. Today NICE have advised "We have listened to concerns raised by patient groups about the application of our rapid COVID-19 critical care guideline." Read more. 25.03.2020 Suspension of Disability Action Transport Scheme service - Disability Action Service Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has put further measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes the suspension of the Disability Action Transport Scheme service from 6pm on Wednesday 25th March 2020. Read more. 25.03.2020 Coronavirus Community Fund The Community Foundation Northern Ireland are adapting the criteria for their Coronavirus Community Fund - Older people - Those at increased risk, particularly in relation to poor mental health and wellbeing - Vulnerable isolated people and families, especially those in rural areas. Read more. 25.03.2020 Postponement of Driving assessments and lessons - Disability Action Service Due to the new measures in place regarding social distancing Disability Action have taken the decision to postpone all driving assessments and lessons in the interest of everyone's health and safety. Further guidance has been provided by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). Read more. 24.03.2020 Hargey introduces further measures to protect the most vulnerable and their families Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA today suspended reviews and reassessments for health and disability benefits for the next three months. Disability Action hopes this news will reassure and help disabled people in these challenging times. Read more. 24.03.2020 Minister announces further support for those affected by COVID-19 Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has today announced enhancements to the Discretionary Support scheme to further support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More. 24.03.2020 Economy NI - Advice for Employees If you have to stay at home because of coronavirus, an isolation note to send to your employer is now available. Read more. 23.03.2020 Emergency Covid-19 Legislation and NICE Clinical Guidance - Disability Action Response Disability Action are deeply concerned by a number of provisions contained in the draft Coronavirus Bill being debated in parliament today. It is likely elements will be before our own Assembly and respective Committees in the coming days. We are happy to witness so many in our community coming together to contact their respective political representatives on these issues. Read more. 18.03.2020 Statement from Disability Action on Covid-19 - Disability Action Response Disability Action will continue to liaise and work with all allies throughout this time. We are heartened by the sector’s ability to pull together, we are up for the challenges ahead and we know that we can rely on the continued dedication of Disability Action staff. Read more. 16.03.2020 Measures to protect the most vulnerable to ensure delivery of social security services Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA today announced measures to ensure the continued delivery of important social security services, in light of the escalating issues around COVID-19. Read more.