Occupational rehabilitation services
I'm an injured worker
The best outcomes come through partnership
The best outcomes come through genuine collaboration between you, your employer, your insurer and your healthcare team. Ascent Rehabilitation is here to support your rehabilitation at home, at work and in your community. We work with you to understand what matters most in your recovery, build a plan that fits your life and your goals, and achieve the best possible outcome.
Your recovery journey
When you're referred to Ascent, it's usually through your insurer or your employer. That referral is where we begin to connect with you and understand your situation.
No two injuries, workplaces or people are the same, so your recovery journey is unique to you. What stays consistent is our approach. You can always expect honest, transparent communication, individualised support and a genuine commitment to your recovery.
What to expect
- Your first appointment: We'll start with an Initial Needs Assessment. This is a conversation, not a test. We want to understand your injury, your concerns, your goals and what your day-to-day life looks like right now. This helps us understand what you need and where to focus our support.
- Your rehabilitation plan: Based on your assessment, we'll develop a plan with you that sets out the goals we're working toward and how we'll get there. We'll explain each step clearly, so you always know what's happening and why.
- Ongoing support: We'll check in with you regularly, adjust your plan as you progress and make sure you're connected with the right people at every stage. If something isn't working, we'll talk about it and find a better way.
- Return to work: When the time is right, we'll work with your employer to plan a return to work that is safe, gradual and sustainable. We'll be there when you return, not just before.
How we support you
We meet you where you are
Whether your injury is physical, psychological or both, our team brings the clinical expertise and human understanding to support your recovery effectively.
We take time to listen, to explain and to advocate for your needs within your care team. You have a voice in your recovery, and we make sure it's heard.
Our team includes occupational therapists, rehabilitation consultants, social workers and other allied health professionals, all experienced in supporting people through workers compensation claims in the ACT and southern NSW.
We pride ourselves on being approachable and responsive. When you have a question or concern, we're available. When something changes, we're on it.
Coordinating your care
Recovery from an injury involves more than just treatment. It involves your doctor, your employer, your insurer and the other health professionals supporting you. When everyone works toward the same goal, recovery is faster and more sustainable. We call this the care team approach, and it's central to how we work.
Your Ascent consultant takes an active role in bringing your care team together: keeping everyone informed, ensuring your plan is understood and followed, and making sure nothing falls through the gaps. You shouldn't have to chase people or repeat yourself. That's our job.
We also help you understand how the care team fits together, what each person's role is and what you can expect from everyone involved in your recovery.
About Ascent's role
Ascent Rehabilitation is a Canberra-based occupational rehabilitation provider established in 2010. We work with injured workers, employers and insurers across the ACT and southern NSW.
We are an accredited rehabilitation provider, and our team is made up of experienced, qualified allied health professionals who are passionate about getting people back to their lives.
Occupational rehabilitation is a funded service. In most cases, your workers compensation insurer covers the cost of your rehabilitation, so there is no out-of-pocket expense for you.
Our role is to support your recovery and return to work in a way that is safe and right for you. We are independent advisors working in your best interest, in collaboration with your employer and insurer.
We are also required to provide regular reports to your insurer about your progress. We'll always be transparent with you about what we're reporting and why.
Why people with an injury choose Ascent
An injury can change everything, often suddenly and without warning. At Ascent, we understand this is one of the most uncertain and stressful times you can face. Our boutique team has been supporting people through recovery in Canberra and the surrounding region since 2010. We take time to get to know you, not just your claim, and we work with you to develop a recovery plan that is safe, sustainable and built around your life.
You're more than a case number
Rehabilitation works best when you feel genuinely supported. Our consultants are hands-on, accessible and committed to understanding your situation in full, including the physical, emotional and practical realities of what you're going through. Whether your injury is physical or psychological, you'll work with an experienced clinician who treats you as an individual and advocates for your best interests throughout the process.
A clear plan at every step
We know that uncertainty makes recovery harder. From your first appointment, we'll explain the process, your options and what you can expect from each member of your care team. We keep you informed along the way, so you're never left wondering what happens next or who to turn to.
Our support for injured workers
Initial Needs Assessment
An assessment to understand your concerns, needs, goals and current situation for recovery. An Initial Needs Assessment helps us establish a holistic approach early in your rehabilitation, so we can tailor the programme to your individual needs.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment
An ADL assessment helps you function independently in your home and community. We usually complete this at your home and gather information in both conversation and practical demonstration.
You may be asked to demonstrate tasks like meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, gardening, mobility and transfers, transport, shopping and personal hygiene.
The goal is to identify any occupational challenges and work toward your goals through task modification and assistive equipment where helpful.
Home Assessment
We provide home assessment services to help you improve independence with daily activities in your home environment. The goal is to identify your needs and provide support through training, education, assistive equipment or environmental modification.
We make specific recommendations based on your injury, stage of recovery and your home situation. We pay particular attention to access both inside and outside your home, considering your mobility and strength.
Worksite Assessments
A worksite assessment is an important part of the return to work process. We assess and analyse your pre-injury duties to identify which specific tasks you can safely perform during your recovery.
Early identification of suitable duties allows us to develop a functional, workplace-based rehabilitation programme that keeps you engaged in your usual tasks and routines.
Ergonomic Workstation Assessment
We provide ergonomic assessments for your workstation. We assess your setup comprehensively, taking into account your daily job requirements and any current concerns or pre-existing issues.
We provide a detailed report that includes medical and ergonomic advice for all parties.
Vocational Assessments
A vocational assessment helps identify your redeployment options outside your usual work role. We use a range of written and verbal assessments to determine your employability in other areas, and identify any opportunities for retraining that would improve your suitability to new roles.
Workplace Meetings
We believe the most productive conversations happen when all parties are present and working together. Workplace meetings bring everyone together to collaborate on your recovery goals.
Return to Work Planning
A return to work plan sets out your recovery goals, medical restrictions, suitable duties, hours and any special requirements. Developing a good plan requires a worksite assessment and collaboration with medical and treatment providers to ensure all restrictions are considered and activities are safe and sustainable.
Injury Management Advice
We provide injury management advice to support your recovery.
Medical Case Conferences
We work with your GP to ensure your graduated return to work programme stays within your medical restrictions and supports your recovery effectively.
Treatment Case Conferences
We work with your treating practitioners to ensure they understand the physical demands of your pre-injury role, so we can develop and maintain a goal-oriented programme that supports your rehabilitation.
Return to Work Programs
A return to work programme is an overall structure implemented by several key stakeholders: you, your employer, your treating doctor, your insurer and treatment providers. The programme is documented, outlines key responsibilities and is goal-oriented.
Ready to start your recovery journey?
If you've been referred to Ascent, we'll be in contact shortly to arrange your first appointment.
If you'd like to request Ascent as your rehabilitation provider, speak with your insurer or employer and ask to be referred to us.
Resource library
The best outcomes are achieved through collaboration between you, your employer, your insurer and your healthcare team.
Our team of allied health professionals are experienced leaders in their field and will work with you to design rehabilitation built for your individual situation. We support your rehabilitation at home, at work and in your community. Your injury may have changed how you live right now, but we'll work with you to return to independence in the safest, most sustainable way possible.