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For able-bodied people, it is easy to take for granted that others still have to socially distance themselves. After all, COVID restrictions are being pulled away on a near-weekly basis, and it’s only natural that there’s the fun and excitement that should follow such a frustrating period in our history!

 

However, many Australians living with a disability are still vulnerable to the pandemic, and therefore still need to distance themselves. This can be incredibly tough, especially with the knowledge that most able-bodied people are getting on with their lives.

 

But there are many ways you can help a person with a disability to remain social whilst social distancing, whether it’s encouraging them to join an online class, helping them find support or assisting them at the best home care services Wollongong has available.

 

So, here are four awesome ways you can help a person with a disability keep up the sociability in an age that wanted to challenge it:

 

1. Encourage them to speak with friends & family

 

It can be difficult for a person with a disability’s loved one to understand their needs - even if they have been with them all along! Therefore, it might be best, as a carer, to encourage the person to reach out to their loved ones if they ever feel alone or left out.

 

This can be done in a variety of ways, including in-person, via Zoom or telephone, and it could be the first and most important step in ensuring the person with a disability is able to remain social and included in this difficult time.

 

2. Encourage them to meet up with friends (even if it’s online)

 

A friend will be more than happy to catch up with their friend with a disability even if it’s online. If there is one thing we’ve learned in the COVID period, it’s so important to check in with friends regardless of where they’re at when it comes to social distancing, and so why not encourage the person with a disability to arrange a hangout with their friend even if it is via Zoom or Messenger Video?

 

3. Encourage them to join an online class

 

There may have been a particular skill or hobby that the person with a disability loved enjoying before the pandemic/stay at home orders put an abrupt end to it.

Unfortunately, they still might feel a bit worried about rejoining these classes or events in person, but they might be missing the opportunity to take part in it. Therefore, why not encourage them to join a class or online group for that skill or another they might be interested in trying?  The ability to work online has taken off post pandemic so studying for qualifications online can open up all kinds of opportunities.

There are so many awesome classes and online events a person can join, and it has never been easier and more accessible with the rise of digital technologies like Zoom.

 

4. Encourage them to join a support group

 

One thing Australian organisations do so well is organise support groups for people regardless of their situation. If the person with a disability has been struggling to find the support and understanding they need, perhaps they might like to join a group where they and others can express their feelings about having to remain socially distanced or whatever else they would like to express.

 

Click the link for disability support groups in Australia. This could go a long way to helping them express how they feel at this current time and this is something that could help exponentially in the long run.