Being able to travel to and from the workplace and be punctual is an essential part of successfully maintaining employment.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A number of of transport options are available to enable workers to get to and from work:
A mobility allowance is available through Centrelink to assist with the cost of transport for people whose disability makes it difficult for them to use public transport without significant assistance. People must be in paid employment, doing voluntary work, vocational training or independent living or life skills training for at least 32 hours every four weeks or a combination of these to be eligible. See the related links section to view more information on Centrelink's mobility allowance or for information regarding disabled persons parking permits which are available in all states and territories.
Driving assessments can be completed by an occupational therapist to determine the driving needs and supports for people with disability. See Driving assessments for more information:
Car modifications can sometimes be undertaken to enable a person with a disability to independently drive or be a passenger within a vehicle—these modifications may be as simple as installing a steering knob, through to major structural modifications.
In some situations where a person with a disability requires car modifications that enable them to carry out their work (such as, delivery person, courier or salesperson) they may be eligible to apply for funding assistance for these modifications through the Workplace Modifications Scheme. Funding assistance is not available for car modifications that only assist people getting to and from the workplace. For more information see the Workplace Modifications Scheme Guidelines:
(Centrelink 2007; Spinal Cord Injuries Australia 2005; OT Australia 2007)
References
Centrelink 2007, Mobility Allowance, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Canberra, viewed 31 August 2007, http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/ea3b9a1335df87bcca2569890008040e/02dba2c965790d0dca2569890079ae68!OpenDocument&Highlight=2,travel
OT Australia 2007 , OT and Independent Living, Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, Fitzroy, viewed 31 August 2007, http://www.ausot.com.au/inner.asp?relid=7&pageid=134
Spinal Cord Injuries Australia 2005, Driving, Vehicle Modifications and Transport, Sydney, viewed 31 August 2007, http://www.scia.org.au/faq/driving,_vehicle_modifications,_and_transport