said that βwhen one door closes, another opens.β This rang true for Brenda, a participant who recently came through the doors of the ½ρΘΥ³ΤΉΟ51.
Brenda, who has multiple sclerosis, saw the Employ-Ability program as a pivotal step in identifying a realistic employment goal. She was referred by the Multiple Sclerosis Society (new window) at a time in her life when she was ready to make big changes; her children were grown and she was eager to find new strategies to help her gain more financial independence.
One of the impacts that multiple sclerosis has had on Brenda is that her hands quickly become exhausted. Typing is a challenge for her. While attending the Employ-Ability program at the ½ρΘΥ³ΤΉΟ51, Brenda began using the speech recognition software, . The software transcribes what Brenda speaks into a microphone, freeing her hands from the tiring task of typing. The ½ρΘΥ³ΤΉΟ51 was able to fund this assistive technology through its national agreement with .
During her time in the Employ-Ability program, Brenda discovered that she had many skills and talents, and that her true passion was to work in the counseling field coupled with spiritual guidance. Brenda said, βI decided to return to university because of the ½ρΘΥ³ΤΉΟ51 and what you did for me. You helped me realize that I have the ability to do this.β
Brenda is now pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations and Spirituality at in Ottawa. Although she has found support from her peers and professors, she has had to use her own skills and ingenuity to overcome the challenges of her multiple sclerosis. Brenda has become adept at using , which allows her to cope with the fatigue brought on by her multiple sclerosis, and thrive in the demanding university environment. When she writes an exam, she accesses the exam from a flash drive plugged into her computer and uses her speech recognition software to complete it.
βBrenda did not waste timeβ, says Employ-Ability Facilitator, Joanne Ahern. βWhen she left our program she moved on with her action plan with the motivation that is required to pursue a goal. This has helped make her achievements a reality.β
We wish her all the best!
If you would like to make a donation to support others like Brenda, you may do so here.