How JobAccess helps Spinal Life Australia build inclusive workplaces.

Woman sitting in a chair with bed and coffee table behind her.

For Tania, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor at Spinal Life Australia, inclusion isn’t just a goal — it’s a core part of her work.

Through the organisation’s Back2Work program, her team helps people with spinal cord injuries and other disability return to work and  rebuild their careers after life-changing injuries.

Half of Tania’s team live with spinal cord injuries. For her, that diversity is a strength.

Leading by example has made Spinal Life a role model for inclusive employment.

Tania’s connection with JobAccess goes back more than two decades.

“I first came into contact with JobAccess in the early 2000s,” she recalls. “We had a disability employment service then, and workplace modifications were a big part of our role. That was around the time they set up JobAccess, and I’ve been involved with it ever since.”

Today, the partnership between JobAccess and Spinal Life continues to play an important  role in helping people with disability return to work safely and with confidence.

“It’s such an amazing program and such a huge part of what we do now in Back2Work,” Tania explains. “We wouldn’t be able to achieve some of the amazing outcomes for our clients without JobAccess’ support.”

“JobAccess provides funding for work-related equipment for people with a disability or injury,” Tania says.

“For people with spinal cord injury, the physical environment is a big part of a successful return to work. Sometimes, if their needs change over the years, they might need a review to make things easier or safer.”

Spinal Life also utilises our workplace assessments and expert advice.

“The assessment is free. That's amazing for employers who aren’t sure how to help their employee,” she says. “JobAccess is also a great source of suggestions and ideas about how people could manage barriers with either technology or strategies to help them in their everyday work.”

Tania describes JobAccess as “an absolute joy to deal with.”

“They’ve always been really responsive and gone the extra mile to make sure our clients are supported with the equipment they need,” she says. “The client support advisers are always very helpful. It’s made such a huge difference to our clients and the success of our program.”

“Every employer has the potential to hire somebody with a disability,” says Tania. “You don’t need to do anything significantly different. If you have somebody who can do the job but needs a few adjustments, that’s all it takes.”

She believes work is a key part of recovery and identity for people with disability.

“Work is such a huge part of people’s identities,” she says. “Sometimes the biggest issue is finding an employer who will give them a chance. When you show loyalty, it pays you back in absolute spades.”

Get started with JobAccess

JobAccess is the Australian Government’s hub for disability employment support. It helps employers, service providers, or jobseekers build more inclusive and accessible workplaces.

Explore free resources and advice at https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/

Call 1800 464 800 to speak with an adviser today.