COVID-19 testing

The following resources can help you get tested for COVID-19, including information that can be useful to help you or someone you’re caring for prepare.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)

Free RATs for People with Disability (Victoria only)
People with disability in Victoria can continue to access 20 free rapid antigen tests per visit from state-run testing sites and from Disability Liaison Officers, with the program extended until the end of September.

Helping autistic children have a RAT test — Autism Awareness Australia (Video – Vimeo)
Dr James Best shares his tips and advice to help make Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) less stressful and more manageable for autistic children/young adults.

About nasal Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) for parents and carers (Video – YouTube)
Victorian Department of Education video about how to perform a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). This video was produced prior to new testing and reporting requirements, but is a good example of how to administer a test.

Tips to help a child when completing a Rapid Antigen Test
From Autism Spectrum Australia, this resource provides families and carers with advice to help an autistic child prepare for taking a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

Tips to help an adult or teenager when completing a Rapid Antigen Test
From Autism Spectrum Australia, this resource provides advice to help an adult or teenager prepare for taking a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

Setting a COVID-19 test instructions — Easy read — Australian Government Department of Social Services website
This information about getting a COVID-19 test is written in an easy-to-read way. It includes instructions written in Easy English.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests

Information about when PCR testing is available is accessible on the Victorian Government website.

A child’s guide to hospital: COVID-19 PCR test — Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (YouTube)
This video by the Royal Children’s Hospital explains the process of having a COVID-19 swab test to children. It is captioned.

New South Wales Health — COVID-19 testing at home (NSW only) — NSW Health website
This service may be limited to people who cannot leave their home due to disability, injury, chronic health issues, or frailty affecting mobility.

Call-to-Test service (Victoria Only): How to get tested for coronavirus at home — Victorian Government coronavirus website
The Call-to-Test service is for Victorians who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and cannot leave home due to injury, mobility, or other eligible reasons.

Disability Liaison Officers (Victoria only)

Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) help people with a disability access health services. 

DLOs can:  

  • help book a COVID-19 vaccination, including vaccination at home
  • help organise support for a person with a severe fear of needles regardless of whether or not that person has a disability
  • help to access rapid antigen tests (RATs) or PCR tests
  • help to access a health services

Visit the Victorian Government Coronavirus website for more information and to request support.

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