Disability Support Workers during COVID-19
Project Details
The results of over 350 disability support workers (DSWs) surveyed in May-June 2020 about working during the COVID-19 pandemic is now available in a research report (Download below).
This report outlines findings relating to physical distancing, COVID-19 infection control training, access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), COVID-19 testing, support provided, and financial and psychological stresses experienced by workers are summarised along with recommendations arising from the findings.
Kavanagh A, Dimov S, Shields M, McAllister A, Dickinson H & Kavenagh M (2020). Disability support workers: the forgotten workforce in COVID-19. Research Report. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.26188/12756428
Disability Support Work and COVID-19 Report
In September/October 2020, we surveyed Disability Support Workers again, this time during the Victoria's second wave, and published the findings in a follow up report:
Kavanagh A, Dimov St, Shields M, McAllister A, Dickinson H, Kavenagh M. (2021): Disability Support Workers: Follow up findings from the forgotten workforce in COVID-19 - Follow up findings, Wave 2 Research Report. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne.
Disability Support Work and COVID-19 Wave 2 Report
Additional Research
In addition, we interviewed managers of disability residential settings about their experiences during Victoria’s second wave in July-October 2020. The study provides important insights into the challenges experienced by staff working in Victorian disability residential care and and how to avoid future COVID-19 outbreaks in high risk settings.
In March/April 2021, we surveyed disability support workers (DSWs) about their opinions and needs surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Our findings show that vaccine hesitancy is much higher among disability support workers than the general population.
These reports are available to access below.
Research Publications
Kavanagh A, Dimov S, Shields M, McAllister A, Dickinson H & Kavenagh M (2020). Disability support workers: the forgotten workforce in COVID-19. Research Report. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.26188/12756428
Kavanagh A, Dimov St, Shields M, McAllister A, Dickinson H, Kavenagh M. (2021): Disability Support Workers: Follow up findings from the forgotten workforce in COVID-19 - Follow up findings, Wave 2 Research Report. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne.
Kavanagh A, Dickinson H, Devine A, Dimov S & Huska M. (2021): Managing COVID-19 outbreaks in disability residential settings: Lessons from Victoria's second wave of COVID-19. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne.
Managing COVID-19 in disability settings Report
Kavanagh A, Dimov S, Dickinson H, McAllister A, Shields M, Kavenagh M. (2021): Disability Support Workers: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and communication needs. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne.
Research Group
School Research Themes
Disparities, disadvantage and effective health care
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.
Department / Centre
MDHS Research library
Explore by researcher, school, project or topic.