“[I’m] Much Happier, I Enjoy Working So Much More Now”
Bradley works as a rehab equipment sales rep in New Westminster, helping clients and therapists find the right equipment for mobility, safety, and quality of life.
As an incomplete paraplegic with a T8, T9 spinal cord injury, he brings a vast knowledge and personal experience to his work.
“Without the proper equipment for my mobility I couldn’t do the job,” he explains.
Judy Extends Her Workday With Help From WorkBC Assistive Technology Services
Judy works as an outreach worker at a non-profit in Salmon Arm, supporting young parents and their children in one-on-one sessions. Her work involves a lot of time on the computer, filing documentation and reports on her sessions with clients.
She has Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, making long days on the computer difficult.
“I deal with chronic nerve pain and fatigue,” Judy explains. “Repetitive actions, weather and stress tend to flare up my nerves, so proper ergonomic supports help me immensely.”
Assistive Technology Gives Roberta a Boost on Her Way Back to the Workforce
After “many years” out of the workforce, Roberta was entering training through WorkBC to work part time from her home in Port Alberni.
She has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, which can make her studies difficult.
Hearing Aids “Have Eliminated a Major Frustration and Disadvantage at Work” for Peter
Peter is the president of a 20-person engineering company in Burnaby. Taking on duties on both the engineering side and managerial side, Peter’s job involves a lot of meetings with customers for tech support and sales purposes, as well as with his employees.
However, Peter has a hearing disability, and he is unable to hear higher frequency sounds. This particularly affects his ability to hear consonants like ‘t’ and ‘s.’
“I Had Been Considering Retiring,” Assistive Technology Allows Kate to Keep Working
Kate works at the customer service desk at a large retail chain store in Enderby.
She has used a wheelchair for over 35 years after suffering a spinal cord injury at the L1 level.
“My shoulders, hands and back give me a lot of trouble now due to overuse over the years. I do a lot of lifting and moving around the store while working. I leave work feeling so much pain that getting my wheelchair in the car to go home had become a real problem. Sometimes I needed to ask for help,” she shares.
“I Feel More Confident in My Ability to Perform My Duties at Work”
Ginevra is an outreach worker at the Powell River Brain Injury Society. Her duties range from assisting clients in activities like arts and crafts and preparing lunches, to gathering client information during the intake process.
“I have Recurrent Transverse Myelitis, which is a neurological condition in my spine that affects various peripheral nerves in my body. I experience numbness and lack of dexterity in my hands, especially my dominant hand,” she explains.
Moore Finds More Confidence in the Workplace With an Anti-Stuttering Device
Moore works at a watch repair shop in downtown Victoria, where he does everything from selling watches, to taking in repairs, changing batteries, as well as working on more complicated repairs.
“I have a stutter which has impeded my speech since I was born. In the workplace, this has impacted nearly every interaction I have, especially with the public,” he explains.
Assistive Technology Helps Alfred Get His Business Off the Ground
Using his knowledge of design and construction, Alfred recently started a business, Accessible Places, to help people with disabilities and seniors by assessing homes and buildings for accessibility, using Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification standards.
“Having had a stroke in 2016, I am trying to give back to my community by helping others have a more accessible and inclusive life at home,” he explains.
Hearing Aids Help Carissa Earn a Promotion
Carissa works full-time with the student union at a college near her home in Cumberland, BC.
“I live with impaired hearing with sensory processing disorder. Sounds have a visceral effect on my body and experience. I am emotionally affected by sounds, and at times have difficulties deescalating from loud, unpredictable sounds,” she explains.
“My Life Has Become Easier in So Many Different Ways,” Shayne’s Wheelchair Converted Minivan Makes Commuting to Work a Breeze
A community support worker with the North Shore Disability Resource Centre, Shayne has Spastic Quadriplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy, and uses a power wheelchair. However, without proper vehicle accommodations, it was hard for him to get around with his power wheelchair.