“Support made all the difference”: How JobAccess helped Susanna get back to the career she loves

When engineer Susanna experienced a life-changing mountain bike accident in May 2023, she faced a long recovery and uncertainty about returning to work. The accident left her with a spinal cord injury, resulting in five months in hospital.

Susanna had been building an impressive career as a senior structural engineer and was determined not to let the injury hold her back. She designs buildings, manages projects, and earned her chartered engineer status in 2019. She has also been actively involved with the Institution of Structural Engineers, one of the top global organisations in the field.

When Susanna was ready to return to work, she knew she wanted to continue using her skills and experience. She also recognised that balancing her career with realities of spinal cord injury would require the right support.

“I was always pretty confident that I’d be able to come back,” Susanna said. “It was just how I was going to manage working with a disability and the things that come along with it.”

During her hospital stay, Susanna connected with the Back2Work team at Spinal Life, who helped her understand and navigate the different supports available to her, including JobAccess and the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).

“When you’re first injured, there’s so much information,” she said. “Having someone help navigate it all made such a difference.”

Susanna slowly returned to work with her employer Northrop, starting part-time about nine months after the accident. The transition was made easier by the unwavering support of her employer. Their support while she was in hospital gave her confidence, and their willingness to make workplace adjustments ensured she could return to work safely and comfortably.

Even with this support, Susanna still faced new challenges. Something as simple as sitting for long periods had become difficult. While her role is largely desk-based, long stretches of sitting led to discomfort, fatigue, and additional pressure on her body.

Susanna received funding for several adjustments through the EAF, and these changes made a big difference for her. One of the major barriers was not having access to an accessible bathroom on her floor. This meant she had to go to the basement each time, taking away her time, comfort, and independence. JobAccess funded accessible bathroom modifications, removing a significant hurdle in her return to work.

“Without an accessible bathroom on my level, I would have had to go all the way to the basement,” she said. “JobAccess helped fund the modifications, which made such a big difference.”

JobAccess also funded a plinth; an adjustable bed that Susanna can use to relieve pressure during the day.

“Being able to lie down and stretch during the day has made managing long periods of sitting so much easier,” she said.

In addition, being able to switch between sitting and standing at her sit–stand desk has provided postural relief and has enabled her to speak with her colleagues at eye level. These adjustments have supported a smoother, safer return to work.

Susanna has also been trialling standing wheelchairs through JobAccess.

Today, Susanna’s workdays once again involve collaborating with colleagues, meeting with clients, and progressing structural designs across various projects. With the right changes in place, she has been able to return to the work she loves.

For Susanna, having a supportive employer has made a big difference.

“There’s a mental load that comes with disability,” she said. “A supportive employer takes away one big thing you’d otherwise have to worry about.”

Susanna wants more employers to see that hiring people with disability can be simple and affordable. With the support available through JobAccess, workplaces can make simple changes that create meaningful opportunities.

“It really doesn’t need to be a big deal,” she said. “Talk to the person about what they need — and remember, there’s funding available to help.”

If you have a disability and are considering workplace adjustments or planning to return to work, Susanna encourages you to explore the support available through JobAccess.

“I definitely recommend JobAccess,” she said. “If something seems out of reach, they can help. It’s one less barrier to worry about when you’re trying to get back into the workforce.”

Get started with JobAccess

JobAccess is the Australian Government’s hub for disability employment support. Whether you’re an employer, service provider, or jobseeker, JobAccess can help you build a more inclusive and accessible workplace.

Visit www.jobaccess.gov.au or call 1800 464 800 to speak with an adviser.