Employment the only option for Tania and her team

Parking your car, walking into the building and getting comfortable at your desk for the work day ahead is something most of us take for granted. But for Wellington Point’s Tania Campbell-Goossen, modifying a workplace to make it accessible, securing new careers for her clients and working with their employers to ensure other employees are aware of disability issues has become a rewarding career.

Tania revels in her role as Coordinator for the Spinal Injuries Association’s Employment Options (EO) service.

Recently celebrating 10 years with the Association, Tania and her team of six have seen their client base grow from 30 to 150 in that period.

As the only Disability Employment Network provider exclusively assisting people with a physical disability in Queensland, EO assists its clients to return or remain in their workplace after an injury or illness.

Because many clients have sustained a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair, often they need EO’s assistance to find a new job in an area that is more accessible.

“I started as an Employment Consultant, which gave me an invaluable insight into the challenges and prejudices faced by people with a physical disability who want to return to work,” Tania said.

“Now I oversee an extremely busy team of consultants and sometimes travel to interstate and overseas conferences to see what other countries are doing in this specialised area.”

Tania said her job gave her immense satisfaction as many clients never thought they would work again.

“Many of us take for granted the fact that we have a job to go to everyday,” she said.

“But for people who have a physical disability such as a spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, a job is sometimes a luxury they wish they had.”

Tania said it was a common misconception that people with a physical disability could only work in call centres or have an office job.

“Our clients are employed in diverse jobs including veterinary nursing, aviation mechanics, small business, psychology and architecture,” she said.

“Through the Workplace Modifications Scheme we can assist our clients with having their work spaces modified to make them accessible and with purchasing specialized equipment for their workplace.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said one in five Australians had some form of disability.

“If 20% of the population were unable to work because of their disability then the productivity of the country would be much lower,” Mr Henley said.

“The tireless work that Tania and her team do is crucial in making sure all people have the opportunity to stay or return to the workforce.

“Having a job not only means financial security, but it gives you self-confidence and a sense of empowerment.”

The Spinal Injuries Association is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with a spinal cord injury since 1960.

Employment Options was established in 1994 and is funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Issued 20 January 2009.