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WCMT-Melissa-Kelly

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SECTION TWO - Key Areas to Address<br />

A strategic collaborative approach is needed<br />

In 2014, New Zealand released the ‘Spinal Cord Impairment Action Plan (SCIAP)’ which<br />

promotes “The best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for people with spinal cord<br />

impairment being achieved, which enhances their quality of life and ability to participate in<br />

society”.<br />

The Action Plan, outlines a vision, purpose, priorities and eight overarching objectives to help<br />

ensure the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for people with spinal cord impairment<br />

(SCI), enhancing their quality of life and ability to participate in society.<br />

In March 2012, ACC and the Ministry of Health jointly led a project to review New Zealand’s<br />

SCI services and develop a national implementation plan for improving them.<br />

The action plan states the following actions to address pertaining to vocational supports:<br />

1. Develop a plan to address gaps in vocational supports using a cost-effective model.<br />

2. Spinal rehabilitation services develop a process to include vocational support in discharge<br />

planning.<br />

3. ACC and the Ministry of Social Development to work together to develop a coordinated<br />

national vocational plan that prevents duplication and addresses gaps in vocational<br />

support for people with SCI.<br />

4. Explore the ACC weekly compensation model and Ministry of Social Development<br />

benefit model to ensure the right incentives are in place, so people can try work options<br />

without fear of loss of compensation or benefit that may prevent them attempting<br />

employment options.<br />

5. Provide specific SCI training for ACC case managers and Needs Assessment Service<br />

coordinators who work with people with SCI to ensure realistic back- to-work planning.<br />

6. Specify minimum skill-set requirements of vocational support services to ensure SCI<br />

expertise.<br />

There is always room to improve, and a collaborative model of service for SCI vocational<br />

rehabilitation is the way forward. This can be facilitated through the knowledge gained during<br />

my Winston Churchill Research Fellowship. Better quality and access to information is needed<br />

<strong>WCMT</strong> Research Fellowship 25

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