WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER – WE’RE DOING OUR PART

• All of our staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• To protect the health of all clients and staff, face-to-face sessions will only be available for fully vaccinated clients (except for under 12yo who are currently exempt)
• Telehealth sessions via Zoom will still be offered should you prefer that option
• We are taking extra precautions in cleaning our therapy equipment – we clean after each session and we sanitise our clinic at least twice daily.
• We have placed at our clinic:
  • helpful signs regarding handwashing and how to sanitise your hands
  • markings on physical distancing
  • good hygiene practice guides
• If a therapist is unwell we will ensure we cancel your sessions. If the therapist is well enough to provide telehealth sessions, you have the option of doing so.
• We have put markers around the clinic to create 1.5m social distances while you wait for your session.
• Our Directors have completed the Infection Control Training – COVID-19 provided by the Department of Health.
• If there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in our workplace, appropriate measures as per Safe Work Australia guidelines will be implemented.
• All staff will wear a mask whilst indoors. There is no requirement for us to use other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, we do have gloves and face shields available if you prefer your therapist to wear them during sessions.
• To improve ventilation we will open both backdoors to the clinic during the day. Security screens are installed on both doors. We will keep windows open as much as possible. We open all doors & windows in the morning to improve airflow.
• We have purchased a vector fog machine and disinfectant which sanitises the air. The disinfectant is Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) which is safe and non-toxic. The Australian Government Department of Health recommends the use of disinfectants containing hypochlorous acid (HOCI) as part of its Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19. We sanitise the air at least twice a day.
• We have also placed eucalyptus spray in each room for extra disinfectant.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER – HOW YOU CAN DO YOUR PART

• Sign in when you enter our clinic using the QR code or our attendance sheet
• Please note that (at least until 30 November 2021) carers and parents must be fully vaccinated to attend our clinic. We ask that clients, parents and carers show their proof of COVID vaccination when first attending our clinic.
• Wear a mask at all times whilst indoors
• If you or your child/client are unwell, please do not attend the clinic in person. You can opt to have your session conducted via telehealth OR you can cancel your session.
• If we believe that you or your child is not well when you come to our clinic, we reserve the right to ask you to leave. Please do not be offended if this occurs.
• Where possible, please wait in your car and pick up your child/client at the end of their session. Our reception area only allows 5 people to be present at any one time.
• Wash your hands with soap or use the hand sanitiser at our reception when you enter and exit
• Practise good hygiene – there are posters around our clinic as reminders.
• We will wipe therapy equipment in between sessions. Please note that this may mean your session may be slightly delayed as we need time to clean the equipment. Please be understanding of this.
• Please abide by the social distancing markers at our clinic

We would like to request that all clients, parents, carers and support staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before attending Sound Expression. Vaccination against COVID-19 is particularly important for people with disability, many of whom are at greater risk of severe illness arising from a COVID-19 infection, suffering long-term impacts due to pre-existing health conditions. The Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability explains these risks.

All NDIS participants over 12 years of age are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as are their carers and support workers.

All NDIS providers, both registered and unregistered, have obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct to provide supports and services in a safe manner and to promptly take steps to act on concerns about matters that may impact the safety of supports and services provided to people with disability. The NDIS Code of Conduct also requires providers to act with respect for the individual rights of participants, including rights to self-determination and decision making.

It is important that all necessary preparations are made to support people with disability to get the facts about COVID-19 and to plan their response to the risk it presents to them. The Australian Government Department of Health website contains information for people with disability on how to book a vaccination, and links to Easy Read resources and Auslan videos

We encourage all clients/parents/carers to talk with their GP to learn the facts about vaccination and where vaccinations are being given in the area, including the location of accessible vaccination hubs.

Please also refer to this excellent publication “COVID-19 Planning Resource for People with Disability” for helpful information about planning considerations around COVID-19.