Learning resources
These resources are available to support the induction of new workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and their understanding of infection control.
New worker – NDIS induction modules
The New Worker - NDIS Induction Modules look to support providers who are inducting new staff, who may not be familiar with the disability sector, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is made up of a series of eight online modules that provide new workers with specific information they need to start working in the disability sector. These are:
- Disability awareness
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Safe workplace
- NDIS Code of Conduct and Dignity of risk
- Incident management
- Know the person
- Risk identification and management
- Managing challenging situations
These modules are for workers that are new to the disability sector.
The learning modules form part of a suite of learning products that new disability workers may complete as part of their induction, including the Worker Orientation Module ‘Quality Safety and You’ and the Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 training.
This training does not replace the specific training employers will provide to new workers to perform their duties, and training on their organisation’s specific policies and procedures.
Infection prevention and control
Maintaining safe and effective infection control in disability settings is more important than ever, and there are a range of online training courses for disability workers.
This recently refreshed course aims to equip workers with evidence-based knowledge to prevent and control infection according to current Work Health Safety legislation, standards and industry codes of practice. The course was developed with input from disability workers, and focuses on increasing capability of workers with little or no infection control knowledge or skill. It is available online at a fee.
This course covers COVID-19 basics within an overview of the broader approaches to infection prevention and control in disability. It explores how the NDIS Code of Conduct interacts with safety and choice related to infection prevention strategies in people’s homes and community activities. The course is free and available online.
This short course provides individuals working in a range of industry and work setting contexts with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply basic infection prevention and control principles including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks. It is available through a number of Registered Training Organisations at a fee and is a nationally recognised competency.
The Commission offers a number of learning modules and aims to provide detailed information on infection prevention and control in Australian healthcare settings. The modules are free and available online.
You can keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 information by accessing the Department of Health and Aged Care website Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
NDIS Commission resources
COVID-19 information pack for NDIS providers and workers – this consolidates much of the guidance and advice we issued during the pandemic to inform, educate and remind you of support available to help you meet your obligations to NDIS participants.
More information is also available on our COVID-19 information page, including information on:
- outbreak management, infection control and PPE usage
- Emergency and disaster management NDIS Practice Standard and Quality Indicators
- COVID-19 vaccines
- Links to Australian Government resources, updates and advice.
Guidance from the Australian Government Department of Health
The Australian Government Department of Health have developed a number of resources for disability support providers and workers, including fact sheets to assist families of people with disability, support workers and carers, health professionals and home care providers, including:
- Information for disability support providers and workers: This Australian Government Department of Health fact sheet provides guidance to assist people with intellectual or developmental disability to access health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Guide to personal protective equipment (PPE) for disability care providers: The Department of Health has produced guidance on using PPE to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- COVID-19 testing for people with disability: The Department of Health has released a fact sheet for support workers and carers of people with disability. The fact sheet covers who should be tested, where testing can be done, and how to explain the testing process to a person with disability.
We encourage you to read and share the relevant resources with the NDIS participants you support, their families and your workers.