A number of submissions also noted that, even when accessible formats were produced, they were not shared with disabled people quickly: “The different disability groups dealing with the district health boards made sure that information was accessible and that the advice was correct. We worked with the Pandemic COVID Disability team. However, while it was made accessible, it has not gone out in a timely manner, and it hasn’t been easy to access or for some to even understand because some of the providers don’t know what they’re doing either.” (Māori submission) 0800 lines and websites do not work for everyone As many submissions noted, information about the pandemic response during Omicron is mostly shared online. While for some disabled people this works well, for others it remains inaccessible. Numerous submissions highlighted issues with the use of 0800 numbers. It is unsurprising that some people would prefer to be able to call and talk to someone over the phone when they have queries or concerns, while others would prefer to have text message responses. The health system should be able to accommodate both styles of communication. What these submissions had in common was the sense that when they asked for solutions that would work for disabled people, they felt dismissed or ignored: “The response has been that there is already a COVID healthline and people can use that service, we again explained the accessibility issues that raises, which was disappointing.” (Submission) Many submissions raised the issue of the digital divide in Aotearoa – where not everyone has access to computers, tablets or smartphones. Even if they do not everyone has access to internet or data that allows them to find the information they need: “Often a case of ‘no cell phone, no communication’.” (Submission) “Systems and processes devised to provide information or access to healthcare (or any government services) that rely on the presumption of access to a smartphone or computer and a reliable connection will always leave a significant proportion of our communities out. For many, phones are available but not the funds needed to access a connection.” (Submission) 21