Whether engaging with loved ones, navigating a tricky situation at work, or recognizing the familiar click of the oven remaining on after a meal, much of our social connectedness, professional performance and personal safety rely on being able to hear.

Yet, hearing-related issues like hearing loss and tinnitus ⁠— or perceiving ringing, hissing, buzzing, rushing or roaring sounds in the ears ⁠— are more common than you might think. Among Canadians aged 19 to 79, a whopping 60 per cent of us live with hearing loss, tinnitus or a combination of both.

“Hearing loss is often something that’s very treatable and preventable, but there are so many people who suffer in isolation and are not able to get the help that they need because of how expensive it can be,” says Heather Ritchie, an audiologist at Neil Squire Hearing Solutions.

• Read More

Math can be difficult enough for many of us (this author included), but imagine what it’s like for children with disabilities who ALSO struggle with basic math concepts? Imagine you are trying to learn the fundamentals of math in grade 1, and you cannot fully see the equations that you are being asked to solve. Today, we’re going to look at an app that seeks to solve that very problem, and it does so for free!

Math Melodies is a free app for iPad that uses audio cues to introduce and practice math concepts that are traditionally taught and tested on paper. Users can choose between a ten-chapter story mode, or they can choose between a variety of exercises that cover concepts learned between 1st and 5th grade. Each exercise also gives the option of choosing between base and advanced level lessons.

• Read More

Joanne is an editor based in the Kootenays. Through participating in the Retail, Accommodation, Food Service and Tourism (RAFT) program with the Kootenay Career Development Society, she recently landed a publishing company as a client.

Her duties include assessing non-fiction manuscripts for structural coherence, communicating with well-known authors, accepting edits from copy-editors, and more.

“I have bouts of tendonitis in my middle fingers, wrists, and elbows, as well as migraines. Typing and using the mouse in an un-ergonomic position inflames these tendons causing me pain and the inability to work longer hours. My migraines cause light sensitivity and the blue light from the computer screen increases this head pain,” she shares.

• Read More

Michael is the founder and general manager of a construction company in Kelowna. He had an anoxic brain injury which caused severe hearing loss, and is just returning to work.

He needed hearing aids and his audiologist referred him to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for funding. Michael applied and was quickly approved.

“The help to get my hearing aids funded has been a life saver. I did not have the money for hearing aids and I need them,” he shares. “I am just starting to ease my way back to work.

• Read More

In case you aren’t aware, our AT Help Desk posts a variety of informative resources for teachers, students, and persons with disabilities underneath of the “Resources” section of the AT Help Desk website.

This week we wanted to quickly throw a spotlight on our “One-Pagers” section. One-pagers are short, informational documents that provide step by step instructions to a variety of digital tasks related to assistive technology.

• Read More

Members of our team from across Canada are at ATIA 2023 in Orlando, Florida connecting with assistive technology professionals and learning lots!

• Read More

Susan’s job at a school in Kelowna requires effective communication with students and teachers.

“I have hearing loss which affects my communication abilities with staff and students. I need to hear comments, instructions while directing students and reporting to teachers,” she says.

Her audiologist at Lakeside Hearing recommended she apply to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for funding for new hearing aids. She applied and was quickly approved, receiving new Signia hearing aids.

• Read More

On today’s episode of “We Have Solutions,” we’re joined by Occupational Therapist Alain Desir. Tune in as we explore all things OT, including case studies, tips for good ergonomics, success stories, and more.

• Read More

Mary is a stylist working at a salon in Sechelt.

“My hearing was effecting how I communicated with clients,” she explains.

Her audiologist recommended her a new set of hearing aids, and to cover the cost, he referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.

• Read More