Michael works at Taronga Zoo as an internal courier and has proudly been part of the Taronga team for over 20 years. Michael approached JobAccess to update some of equipment he uses to undertake his specialist role at the zoo.
His old vehicle no longer met Michael's job requirements due to the effects of cerebral palsy, the syptoms of which progress with ageing. The Employment Assistance Fund can help with modifications to work vehicles that are used primarily to carry out the functions of the job so that they are accessible to employees with disability.
JobAccess was able to arrange funding through the Employment Assistance Fund to modify a golf cart with Drive by Wire Technology, which allows the vehicle to come to a complete stop when Michael removes his foot from the accelerator. Without these modifications tailored to Michael's needs, the golf cart would not be able to be used by Michael.
The previous golf cart was no longer effective as Michael was having difficulty accessing the controls, particularly the gears. The Employment Assistance Fund modifications meant that the controls have been moved and mounted on a pole in the centre of the floor of the cart where Michael is easily able to reach them. As well as this, the head of the key has been enlarged, and due to the mechanism being so soft, Michael is able to start the vehicle and change gears by pushing the key with his knuckles which is an important feature as Michael has limited hand function.
Michael was not able to lift and pull the fasteners on the mail tray of the cart, so a new tray that could readily be used was identified and attached. Now Michael can open the tray more easily via a magnetic type catch. Michael explains, "the modifications to the new equipment make it easier for me. the previous situation was not as good. I can now get around and do my job more efficiently."
Michael's role at Taronga Zoo has been designed specifically for him. The idea of an internal courier was thought up by Michael, and Sue Werner from Sydney Employment Development Services, a division of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Michael reports that he performs many jobs for the zoo including, "keeping the communication papers, mail delivery, letting the public know about the animals and helping the keepers from time to time. I look after 18 different divisions."
Michael jokes that even though some of his workmates were "a bit jealous" when he got modified equipment, "they're all pretty happy for me," he says, as the modifications "make it a bit easier for me."