‘It came like a bolt from the blue’—that’s how Tony describes his 1999 fall from his horse. From the fall, Tony sustained brain and spinal injuries that resulted in partial quadriplegia. These injuries challenged his ability to move, read, write and work—a far cry from his previous life as a carpenter and vineyard owner.
Tony started using elbow crutches as a change to his wheelchair. Over time, he made his way back to the vineyard, but couldn’t work for long periods of time.
A specialist at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre recommended that Tony contact CRS Australia. In 2006, vocational rehabilitation assistance began to make a difference to Tony’s life. CRS Australia assessed the full impact of his injuries, including short-term memory loss, some difficulties problem solving, limited fine motor control and lack of feeling from the waist down.
This meant that Tony had difficulty with many of his vineyard tasks such as planting, pruning and spraying. To work on the vineyard he needed to be able to use a range of equipment, in particular the tractor and ride-on mower, which were unsafe if not used properly.
Tony says, ‘CRS Australia took a holistic approach, I felt very comfortable and they really addressed my situation and needs’.
Lindy, a rehabilitation consultant with CRS Australia, helped Tony to develop ways to manage his work practices and equipment. CRS Australia’s Occupational Therapist, Janet, did a thorough assessment and identified key recommendations, including:
A new tractor was essential as Tony needed:
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a low, wide step to enable access
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hand controls
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a flat floor
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good all round vision
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a modified clutch
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straps for his crutches
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a stick to close the door
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extended control knobs
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mirrors to compensate for his limited trunk control.
CRS Australia applied for assistance with Tony’s workplace modifications through JobAccess.
In January 2007, Tony received his modified equipment.
Tony says ‘without this equipment and the changes, I could not do my job. This really has opened opportunities for me’.
Tony plans to continue producing wine and looks forward to adding to their collection of wine show awards.
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