Linda used to work as a pharmacist but had to stop due to severe pain in her hands and wrists.

“I live with chronic pain in my hands, feet, and hips from previous injuries. It is very difficult for me to use a mouse and keyboard, to use a pen to write, to hold and use my smart phone, to sit for prolonged periods of time or to stand for prolonged periods of time,” she says from Richmond. “As a result, working at a computer station is very difficult for me. For a long time, I was not volunteering or working as a result of these limitations.”

She currently volunteers at her church, teaching and creating lesson plans and printouts, and is looking to get back into the job market. Linda joined WorkBC Employment Services with the goal of finding part-time work and eventually going full-time.

Her employment counsellor referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for support.

“The ATS Program provided me with an ergonomic office chair, an electronic sit-stand desk, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, a keyboard tray, a new laptop, and an excellent discount on the purchase of the latest voice dictation software,” she says.

“My professional disability practitioner provided assistance at every step of this process. She was extremely helpful and made recommendations to ensure that I was getting the best solutions for my personal needs. Once I received my equipment, she followed up to make sure everything was working well and answered questions I had about ergonomics.”

Linda also received “invaluable training” to learn how to use the voice dictation software on her computer.

“Before I received ATS support I could only sit at my workstation and type for very short periods of time and then have to stop. Now I have been able to use voice dictation to prepare lesson plans and documents and be able to change the position of my body so I can work for much longer than before,” she says.

“I used to experience a lot of fear from the physical pain of working at a computer station. This caused a lot of stress and anxiety in my life and affected my mental health greatly. However, after receiving support from the ATS program, I am able to work at my computer station with less fear,” Linda continues. “I used to struggle with feeling hopeless about my physical impairments, but after receiving not only the physical equipment from ATS, but also kindness and care from [WorkBC Assistive Technology Services staff], I know now that I can face my future with courage, and I am not helpless in my circumstances. Being able to work with less fear of pain and live with more social connection have improved my quality of life tremendously.

“I would highly recommend the ATS program to anyone who needs this type of assistance. It has made such a huge difference in my life.”

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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, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services