CRS Australia

1
CRS Australia

• How to negotiate Assistive Technology Options
  with Employers

2
What does CRS Australia Do?

• CRS Australia provides vocationally orientated
  services for people with a disability, injury or
  heath condition who are of working age (between
  14-65 years old).
• CRS Australia will provide assistance in
  preparing an individual for work or helping them
  find suitable employment.

3
Who are CRS clients and what are their needs?

• CRS works with a large variety of individuals who
  have physical, mental or neurological disability
  issues.
• CRS will work with the client, employer and
  relevant health professionals to identify the
  barriers in the workplace, including issues
  related to the use of assistive technology.

4
How does CRS determine the need for Assistive
technology

• A workplace assessment is conducted
• 1. To identify the inherent job requirements
  and employer expectations
• 2. To determine the impact of the clients
  disability in performing the job.
• 3. To make recommendations for the use of
  assistive technology equipment.

5
CRS Considerations for Assistive Technology

• Should aim to reduce the clients barrier to
  gaining or sustaining employment.
• All assistive aids should meet the individual
  needs of the client.
• It must be specifically related to the clients
  disability.
• What is the cost training requirements of the
  assistive technology?
• Have all alternative options been explored in
  regards to suitable duties or another vocational
  placement?

6
Benefits to the Employer

• It promotes maintenance of valued employees which
  contributes to staff knowledge staying within the
  company.
• It promotes good will with other employees
• Reduces potential costs involved with recruitment
  and training to fill the position.
• It promotes demonstrates the companys
  commitment to EEO policies.

7

• It can help prevent re-injury or aggravation of
  the presenting injury or disability.
• It demonstrates the companys commitment to staff
  health OHS policies.
• The employee will be more productive and have an
  increased independence within the workplace.
• Not all aids cost a huge sum

8
Benefits to the client

• It allows the client to remain in a familiar role
  within a familiar workplace.
• It can promote client loyalty with the employer.
• It allows clients to perform the inherent job
  requirements like those of their colleagues.
• It allows sustained employment and promotes
  community participation.

9

• It reduces the vocational limitations already
  imposed by the clients disability or injury.
• It increases the clients productivity and hence
  their job satisfaction.
• It reduces the use of sick leave and therefore
  increases time in the workplace.
• Facilitates the clients financial independence.

10
Examples of Intervention

• Issue
• difficulty reading the computer monitor
• clients feet were unsupported
• reduced chair mobility when seated at the desk.

• Recommendation
• Client to always use increased font size change
  to a 17 inch monitor.
• Implementation of a foot rest
• Chair matt to reduce friction between carpet
  chair castors.

11
Issues Recommendations

• Issues
• Complaints of fluctuating environmental
  temperatures

• Recommendation
• Implementation of individual climate control AC
  in an office.
• Redirection of airflow and outlets.

12
Issues Recommendations

• Issue
• Reduced finger dexterity when typing

• Recommendation
• Reducing the sensitivity to keyboard strikes.
• Increased use of mouse.
• Use of a voice activated programs.

13
Summary

• A thorough individual assessment should be
  conducted prior to the implementation of any
  assistive technology.
• Ensure consultation with experienced health
  professionals and technicians prior to purchasing
  equipment.
• When negotiating, ensure the global benefits to
  the employer and client are equally considered in
  a collaborative manner.
• Do not discount alternative solutions.