Kaeli works at a dog daycare, and she is also self-employed as a dog trainer. However, she has had hyperacusis — sensitivity to sound — all her life, as well as ADHD.

“I struggle to focus in busy environments at the best of times, and it was almost impossible for me to think clearly and maintain my composure in a noisy workplace with dogs barking all the time, not to mention my struggle hearing and communicating with my coworkers,” she explains. “By the end of a shift in that noise, I was exhausted — I was only able to work three days a week due to the fatigue.”

Her audiologist referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help.

“The program provided substantial financial assistance towards a pair of hearing aids — these devices generate a constant white noise that helps insulate me from the sounds around me and makes it easier for me to manage the noisy environment,” she shares.

“I am so much less overwhelmed by the noisy environment, so my executive function is not strained beyond my abilities. I’m able to think more clearly, be more organized and collaborate with and delegate to my colleagues better, and remain calm and composed under stress.”

Since receiving her hearing aids through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, Kaeli has been able to work more hours and even earned a promotion.

“I was previously working 21-24 hours weekly at dog daycare, with no energy afterwards to do anything else besides rest for the remainder of the week, [including] my own training business,” she says. “Almost immediately since getting the devices, I’ve been able to increase my weekly hours at dog daycare to 30-35, and still have energy afterwards.

“I was offered and have accepted a promotion to lead the dog daycare team, which means more hours on site, but also more admin work that I would never have been able to focus on if it were not for my assistive devices! Plus, I have more private training clients now than I’ve ever had!”

Kaeli says she “absolutely” recommends WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, particularly praising the service she received from staff.

“The ATS folks were able to guide me through every step with care and compassion. I’m so grateful that this program exists,” she shares. “A big thanks to [. . .] everyone involved in helping me access this life-changing tech!”

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WorkBC Assistive Technology Services is operated by Neil Squire. Assistive Technology Services are available to individuals who have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation. This may include barriers related to traveling to and from the workplace.

Questions about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services? Need help applying? Contact us: 1-844-453-5506 or info-ats@workbc.ca

Please visit www.workbc-ats.ca for more information about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.

Tags: assistive technology, BC, Hearing Aids, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services