Gary has a way with computers and technology. He volunteers his time to various organizations on Salt Spring Island, including as a computer literacy instructor and with a library program helping people access books and assistive technology.

He is also looking to get back into the workforce, having enrolled in WorkBC Employment Services. He has been doing contract work as a computer technician with local businesses in the area, and WorkBC has been helping him work towards his self-employment goal.

Gary has been legally blind since birth due to Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, making his work quite difficult.

Looking for solutions, Gary learned about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services and decided to apply.

“From the very first [moment] I was very pleasantly surprised. Every single person I dealt with at [Neil Squire] was kind, helpful, and displayed a sincere and genuine desire to help. They not only talked the talk, as many organizations do, but actually walked the walk. Without a doubt the single most useful and dedicated team of helping people I have ever dealt with,” he explains.

“In addition to friendly and interested communications, I had a completely thorough evaluation, and discussion of my needs and options. I felt that I was in really good hands from start to finish. This team of people deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary helpfulness, superb communications, and sincere desire to be helpful.”

Gary received an eSight 4, a vision enhancing device that uses high quality video to increase the field of vision.

While he has spent his life switching between various devices such as glasses, a monocular, and magnifiers to complete visual tasks, with the eSight 4, he is able to toggle between different magnifications and settings allowing him to easily view objects, text, and people at any distance.

Gary “definitely, unquestionably, without a doubt” recommends Assistive Technology Services to others in need.

“It has been a life changer,” he says. “In meetings I can see who is talking, wow, that is really helpful. When there are displays that require taking notes, I can now photograph them and actually read them.

“Working in unfamiliar environments is much more possible when using the eSight. No longer will I have to turn down duties that involve seeing things that are out of my formerly limited range.”

---

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, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services