An initiative of the ParaQuad Assoc of Tasmania Inc
Funded by MAIB  through the Injury Prevention Management Foundation (IPMF)
                       

The Ways to Work project is an initiative of the ParaQuad Assoc of Tasmania and funded by the MAIB. It commenced in September 2006. The aims of the project are to:

1. discover the barriers and the kinds of things that facilitate employment for people with spinal  cord injury  in Tasmania;
2. provide a report about the issues related to employment of people with traumatic spinal cord injury in Tasmania;  and,
3. develop sets of strategies for  those seeking work and for agencies, employers and peer support networks that assist in employment.

The Coordinator will report on research and relevant policy relating to employment of people with SCI and conduct interviews with people with spinal cord injuries, service providers and employers to hear their views on these matters. 

The research is focusing on Tasmanians of employment age who have a spinal cord injury caused by trauma (other sudden onset injury may also be considered) and who need help with self care, mobility or communication some or all of the time. Within this group the Co-ordinator will interview a range of people (family members may participate) - possibly 30 to 35 - covering different age groups, education, employment and cultural status, financial situation, geographic locations and time since injury.  Those participating in interviews may be employed, not employed or self-employed.

The questions for people with SCI cover the road to ‘now’.  For example,

1. the assistance  provided when seeking employment and what worked best
2. skills individuals have that helped to achieve employment. How and when were they learned
3. peer and family support
4. financial support including compensation
5. other kind of supports necessary for employment, eg ease of access,  physical and otherwise
6. the impacts of factors such as health and financial resources on seeking and gaining employment

Agencies are being asked about strategies they currently might use to assist or support people with spinal cord injury in the workforce and the things they see as positive and negative influences. Employers are being asked about any concerns they have employing people with disabilities, their knowledge of government incentives and the positive/negative aspects for their company in employing a diverse group of people.

All interviews to date have been taped with permission and held in confidence.  A copy of the relevant sections of the report will also be sent to interviewees prior to publication to make sure they are happy with the content.

At this stage 26 interviews with people with SCI have been completed as well as discussions held with several service providers and employers. It is expected that a draft report will be completed by end of February.

Robyn Wolstenholme
Co-ordinator

Ways to Work Project
Exploring issues for people with spinal cord injury in Tasmania

Ph: 03 62369793