Civic Disability Services has resumed programs and reopened its community hubs after they were suspended for months due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Civic Disability Services has 800 employees who support more than 750 individuals with disabilities across Greater Sydney and south to Shoalhaven.
A spokeswoman for the leading disability services provider said it had to temporarily suspend many of its services during lockdown and ban visitors to its disability residential accommodation.
"Due to restrictions, Civic services, such as day programs, including community hubs and sites in Sutherland Shire and Liverpool, and its social programs had to be temporarily suspended," she said.
"Our supported employment social enterprises had to operate in a very limited capacity and many supported employees have been unable to attend work."
She said staff supported clients during the lockdown through free Civic@Home online classes, which included a weekly schedule of art classes, music, fitness, bingo and even discos.
They also facilitated online catch-ups with families and friends.
Since the lifting of stay-at-home orders earlier this month, clients who are fully vaccinated or hold valid medical exemptions are now able to return to day programs, while those living in supported accommodation can return to their workplaces, including Civic Industries.
With all staff fully vaccinated, day programs were able to recommence from October 11, while its hubs in Sutherland Shire and Liverpool reopened from October 18.
"Civic is working in line with the Public Health Order, with certain restrictions remaining in place to ensure a safe reopening of each of our services," the spokeswoman said.
"It has been a wonderful reunion of staff and clients - many of whom enjoy friendships."
Certain restrictions remaining in place to ensure a safe reopening of each of our services. It has been a wonderful reunion of staff and clients - many of whom enjoy friendships.
- Civic Disability Services spokesperson
