“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.
“I Now Know How Much I Was Missing,” New Hearing Aids Help Elizabeth on Her Way to New Employment
Elizabeth has over 20 years of management experience in First Nations governance. She is currently in the interview process for a new position.
“I was having a great deal of trouble hearing,” she shares from Osoyoos.
Gary Enhances His Vision and His Ability to Work
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.
Anwar Looks Forward to a “Purposeful, Meaningful Future” with Ergonomic Solutions
About five years ago, Anwar was working more than 50 hours per week in senior management at a large national organization, plus volunteering at an executive level at another 10 hours per week.
“One day, I could not rise from my bed, it took me over two hours to get up and out of bed, my vision was partially lost in one eye, and my entire body was in severe chronic pain,” they explain.
Fisayo Eases Her Workday Stress With a New Light Wheelchair
Fisayo works with a non-profit organization that promotes inclusion and assists immigrants in Campbell River. She works with partner organizations and local community groups to help advance her organization’s initiatives.
“I am paraplegic which means I have mobility challenges, and need a functional and light wheelchair to get around at work,” she explains.
Balance Returns to Fiona’s Life
Fiona is a professional engineer in Kelowna, creating software programs that automatically run the machines in industrial plants. She also designs the graphical interfaces for the plant operators to start machines and monitor measurements such as temperatures and pressures within pipes and vessels.
“Creating the software requires a lot of design meetings with customers, equipment manufacturers and colleagues so that we get the details correct for successful and safe automated operation,” she explains.