Independent employment for Jess Irwin was a dream. Jess was born with high level Cerebral Palsy (Spastic dystonic quadriplegia). She uses an electric wheelchair for mobility and an alternative communication system to speak. When Jess left school at the end of 2005, both day programs and supported employment were suggested to her, but she was determined to find independent work.
Jess has a number of passions, including photography, desktop publishing and web design. These passions and her determination led her to renowned Australian photographer, Ken Duncan, who was so impressed that he wanted to give Jess the opportunity to do work experience with him, while she also studied graphic and web design at TAFE.
The Ken Duncan group needed to make its photographic lab, Created for Life (CFL), more accessible and Jess’s communication system compatible with their Mac based system, so that Jess could participate fully in the workplace.
With assistance from the Sydney Employment Development Service, a Disability Employment Network Service of the Spastic Centre and JobAccess, Jess’ employment dream came true. Under the Employment Assistance Fund, Jess was provided with the necessary tools needed for her employment.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides assistance to people with disability who may need workplace modifications or special equipment to be able to do their job. The scheme can help to pay for the cost of workplace adjustments and modifications for eligible employees with disability.
Under the scheme Jess had a communication and word prediction program installed and was given a custom made keyguard that assisted her keyboard access. These modifications saw an increase in her confidence and her skills. With her customised laptop, Jess now works on photographic design work, attends meetings and works on her own photographs.
The Employment Assistance Fund also funded the installation of an automatic opening door so Jess can come into CFL like any other staff member and there are future plans to further increase Jess’ access through additional ramps.
Pam Duncan, Director of the Ken Duncan Group, says: “We are thrilled to have Jess as part of our team at CFL Print Studio. She brings a new dimension to the workplace and gives everyone a lift with her positive attitude. We are also very thankful for the assistance we have received from JobAccess. Jess is managing very well thanks to the modifications provided and is continuing to build her proficiency in the photographic industry. Jess is a keen photographer with an aptitude for this type of work and it is wonderful that she is being given the opportunity to grow and develop in this field.”
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