Simple adjustments from JobAccess help Garry regain his confidence and independence to travel for work
Garry holds a senior global position in the engineering and technical inspection services branch of Intertek Moody. Due to an accident in 2023, Garry injured his spine and acquired paraplegia.
His work requires a lot of international travel. Since the accident, Garry uses a wheelchair to travel for work. But limited accessibility in some countries made travel challenging for him. That’s when he reached out to JobAccess for advice and support with workplace adjustments, which have helped Garry travel with greater ease and independence.
Garry enjoys connecting with teams, near and far
Garry works as the Global Head of Operational and Technical Excellence at Intertek Moody. He is also the Regional Business Unit Support Manager.
A key part of Garry’s role is to provide support and training to teams in the Asia Pacific region. He also assists teams globally. Garry enjoys delivering training and connecting with his colleagues both near and far.
“I really enjoy the training element of my role. I also enjoy supporting the team when we have a large tender,” shares Garry.
International work travel becomes challenging
A major part of Garry’s role involves international travel. As a wheelchair user, he faced barriers in carrying out this aspect of his role as some of the countries he frequently visited were not wheelchair accessible. Furthermore, finding hotel accommodation with accessible facilities was also challenging.
JobAccess provides tailored support
Garry was looking for tailored solutions. His rehabilitation provider, Royal Rehabilitation in NSW, recommended that he contact JobAccess for support.
Garry lodged an application for the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) through the JobAccess website. Shortly after receiving Garry’s application, a JobAccess Professional Adviser contacted Garry to discuss his requirements and support needed. The JobAccess Adviser organised a free worksite assessment for Garry at his workplace.
An independent assessor conducted the assessment and recommended specialised wheelchairs to support Garry at work and during travel. These supports were funded through the EAF.
The EAF gives financial help to eligible people living with disability and mental health conditions, as well as employers. It helps them buy work-related modifications and equipment. It also covers Auslan services, workplace assistance and support services.
The specialised wheelchairs helped Garry travel for work with ease, giving him greater independence. They enabled him to fulfil his job duties and continue enjoying the work he loves.
“JobAccess really assisted with removing the barriers international travel was creating.“
Garry Tanner
Global Head of Operational and Technical Excellence / Regional Business Unit Support Manager
“JobAccess really assisted with removing the barriers international travel was creating. They provided me with options. I have used the front wheel drive and smart drive wheelchairs in Thailand and Singapore. These wheelchairs help me get around. They make me feel safe and independent when working overseas.” shares Garry.
Garry feels safer and more confident when travelling
JobAccess also supported Garry with a specific travel wheelchair, a travel commode. Garry found his home-based commode large and clunky. The new travel commode packs down easily and has made international travel much easier for Garry.
“The travel commode packs down nicely. It is suitable for use and has made travel accommodation much easier. I most recently utilised this on a trip to Phuket for some training of our colleagues,” says Garry.
The tailored support from JobAccess has given Garry the independence to travel safely for work. He is now able to travel overseas with confidence, enabling him to complete his responsibilities.
“I cannot thank JobAccess enough for their support over the last six to nine months. This has given me more confidence when travelling overseas. I am hopeful to have more travel for work in the rest of 2024 and into 2025.“
Garry Tanner
Global Head of Operational and Technical Excellence / Regional Business Unit Support Manager
An easy-to-use and straightforward service
Garry is appreciative of the support he received from JobAccess. He found the EAF application process to be straightforward. He also found both email and verbal communication to be very good.
“I knew exactly what JobAccess required to validate my requests for support.”
“I cannot thank JobAccess enough for their support over the last six to nine months. This has given me more confidence when travelling overseas. I am hopeful to have more travel for work in the rest of 2024 and into 2025,” Garry concludes.
Get expert for advice and support with workplace adjustments
JobAccess is the go-to expert for disability employment matters. It helps remove barriers to sustainable employment for people with disability.
We have a team of allied health professionals who provide expert, confidential, and tailored advice on workplace adjustments from the first point of contact.
For expert advice and tailored support, reach out to JobAccess at 1800 464 800 or submit an online enquiry. You can also visit our website for more information.
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