William is a counsellor, and he works with individuals experiencing work-related illnesses — such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or PTSD — using various evidence based treatments. For his work with clients and colleagues, Rob needs to listen intently and accurately.

However, he has hearing loss in both ears affecting his communication at work. With much of his work done online, William finds he often has to ask clients and colleagues to repeat themselves.

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Lilibeth works as an outreach coordinator for an organization that provides medical and dental aid to remote areas in the Philippines. She has hearing loss.

“Hearing accurately and well is crucial for my job as I need to coordinate many moving parts, agencies, [and] people to ensure our outreaches are successful,” she says.

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On today’s episode we dive into some exciting new technology from MIT, look at some past failures and successes in the world of AI, and we review what might just be the most accessible gaming controller ever made.

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During the COVID pandemic, Jora Singh found himself spending many more hours on the computer — his classes initially moved online, he had started to teach himself how to code. After a while, he noticed he was having wrist pain and back pain from the long hours at the keyboard. He started thinking of solutions.

“I have a huge passion for science, and I’ve been doing science fair projects since I was in grade four,” says Jora Singh, who recently finished grade nine.

This led to him developing a hands-free app for using your computer, DeviceABLE. Developed over the last year using his self-taught coding skills, DeviceABLE allows you to use head and facial movements to move your cursor, as well as use an onscreen keyboard. There’s also a voice feature for people who can’t use as much neck or head movement.

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Samantha is currently looking for part-time work. She is Deaf, and communicates using American Sign Language.

Working with WorkBC Employment Services to find employment, she was referred to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help purchasing hearing aids. She applied, and received funding to purchase the hearing aids she needed for the job search.

“The hearing aids are important for me to have communication accessibility during job interviews, networking, workshops, and eventually onboarding training,” she says.

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Bob works as a sales representative for a building materials company. He has hearing loss, which can make his job difficult.

His audiologist referred him to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for funding for hearing aids. He applied and was quickly approved, getting the hearing aids he needed for work at a price he can afford.

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Liana works as a barista at a coffee shop, and she also works with her local chamber of commerce. At the coffee shop, it’s a fast-paced environment taking customers orders, while at the chamber of commerce, she manages memberships and has to communicate with local businesses. She has a cochlear impairment in both ears.

“I don’t hear well at all,” she shares. “[It] causes errors and miscommunications at work with members, customers, and peers.”

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John works as a chef at a private school in Vancouver, providing food for about 1,000 students. He has severe hearing loss in both ears.

“This makes it very difficult for me to understand and communicate with my supervisors, co-workers, and clients,” he shares.

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Ihor came to Vancouver about a year ago as a displaced Ukrainian. He soon found work as a prep cook and dishwasher at a local Ukrainian restaurant, taking pride in his new job. However, he was recently diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears and tinnitus, which was making his job more difficult.

“I work in a loud and noisy environment filled with all sorts of equipment,” he shares. “My main concerns include my inability to hear people, even in a quiet environment, and follow their instructions, not being able to hear if the dishwasher is on or off, if water is overflowing in the bucket, if the alarm system is on or off, if the work equipment is working or not.”

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Denise works for a supportive housing program in Kelowna as a Home Support Worker, serving a diverse population, including persons with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and trauma. She was recently diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears.

“It has severely impacted my ability to communicate effectively over the years,” she shares. “[I work in] a position of support to participants in daily living, and that is all about communication. The ability to truly listen, learn, comprehend, and assess what the participants needs are is imperative. Not being able to hear and decipher in communicating with both clients and co-workers has been embarrassing, frustrating and created anxiety with many barriers.”

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