The spread of the COVID-19 in congregate living situations like aged care facilities, and now in a Melbourne group home, really emphasises the need for people with disability to be supported to live independently.
People who live in group homes often do not get to choose where they live, who they live with, how many people they live with, or who is assigned to support them.
Social distancing is much more difficult in congregate living situations with a lot of people coming and going, including staff, visitors and residents. This is a public health concern for everyone involved.
People with disability have been identified as particularly “vulnerable” to this potentially deadly illness. If only we all had the freedom to decide who, and how many people, we have contact with in our own homes.