Time for a solution to support Josh at work

Image: a man in a restaurant kitchen having a conversation with a customer. (Image used for representation purposes only)

* Represents name has been changed for privacy.

Josh* lives with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, which made finding a job a challenge. Keen to be part of the working world, Josh connected with a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider to find work.

Josh was very pleased to find a part-time role as a kitchen hand with a small local café. Josh settled into his role and thoroughly enjoyed being part of a great working environment and team, and the sense of purpose he felt through his employment.

It was then identified that Josh needed a little extra assistance at work to support him with time management and focus to best fulfil his role. Josh worked with his DES provider to try and set reminders on his phone for different tasks. However, these alerts provided an additional distraction. A tailored solution specific to Josh’s circumstances was needed. That’s when Josh was connected with JobAccess.

Josh’s DES provider had worked with JobAccess before and knew the process, so they reached out directly, applying to the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).

The EAF provides financial assistance for employers and people with disability to help to cover the cost of making reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

A JobAccess Professional Adviser organised a free workplace assessment for Josh to identify what modifications or equipment would best meet Josh’s needs and better support Josh in doing his job.

The solution came in the form of a vibrating watch that can be used as a reminder for various tasks. The watch features five programmable messages, set up to support Josh in managing his daily tasks. The watch vibrates, prompting Josh to move from one task to the next.

In good news, Josh now successfully manages varied daily tasks with the help of the watch, from washing dishes to clearing plates and cleaning the floor. Josh’s manager is also pleased that Josh can now better fulfil the role and that Josh is happy and content at work.

Last updated: 6 June 2023 - 7:58am