Overview
ACC's rehabilitation objective is to restore your independence and help you return to work, daily life, and community participation. Rehabilitation is divided into social rehabilitation (home and daily life) and vocational rehabilitation (work-related). Both are tailored to your individual needs.
Social Rehabilitation
Social rehabilitation helps you manage the day-to-day impact of your injury. ACC can fund:
- Home and vehicle modifications: Ramps, bathroom modifications, handrails, wheelchair access, vehicle modifications
- Attendant care: Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, meal preparation) if you are unable to care for yourself
- Home help: House cleaning, laundry, gardening, and other domestic tasks
- Childcare: If you cannot care for your children due to injury
- Transport: Taxi vouchers or other transport assistance for medical appointments
- Aids and appliances: Wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, prosthetics, and other equipment
Your needs are assessed by an ACC case manager or an independent needs assessor.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation aims to help you return to work — either in your old role, modified duties, or a new career if needed. Services include:
- Return-to-work planning: Your case manager works with you and your employer
- Workplace assessments: Ergonomic assessments and modifications to your workspace
- Gradual return to work: Phased hours or reduced duties while you recover
- Retraining: If you cannot return to your previous occupation, ACC may fund retraining or study
- Job placement support: Help finding a new employer if needed
How Rehabilitation is Assessed
ACC will assess your rehabilitation needs based on your injury and circumstances. You will have a Rehabilitation Plan (also called an Individual Rehabilitation Plan or IRP) that sets out goals and services.
The plan is developed in consultation with you, your family/whānau, your GP, and sometimes your employer. It should be reviewed regularly and updated as your needs change.
Home Support
Home support is a key part of social rehabilitation. ACC can fund a home help service to assist with:
- Cleaning and household chores
- Meal preparation
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Gardening and home maintenance
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
The level of support depends on your assessed needs. Typically, ACC funds a set number of hours per week based on your level of disability.
Disputes About Rehabilitation
If ACC declines to fund a rehabilitation service you believe you need, you have the right to seek a review of the decision. You should first discuss the issue with your case manager, and if unresolved, you can apply for a formal review with ACC's review unit.