With about 75% of the Paraplegic Benefit Fund Australia’s (PBF) employees living with paraplegia or quadriplegia, inclusivity is at the heart of its workplace culture.
The member-based organisation supports people who have sustained a spinal cord injury through financial assistance and peer support, while also creating employment opportunities for people living with paraplegia or quadriplegia.
PBF Administration, Peer Support and Wellness Coordinator Jane Hutch, who has worked at PBF for 14 years, said workplace flexibility has helped her manage her health while feeling supported in her role.
“It’s nice to have a purpose. Something to get out of bed for in the morning. The relationships that you build with work colleagues are really important,” she said.
“Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging in that things don’t always go to plan … [so] it’s really nice to have that option available to be able to work from home.”
Corporate Support Manager Emma Seaman said inclusive employment goes beyond providing physical workplace adjustments.
“It’s very obvious when a person comes to us in a wheelchair, the types of adjustments they physically need, but what do they need that might help them thrive?” she said.
