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With the rising cost of living in the Lower Mainland, Judy was looking to get back into the workforce, even if for just a few hours a day.

Overwork and a lack of safety training in her previous jobs resulted in injuries, including De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis affecting both her wrists, as well as a back injury — she stresses the importance of pain management and a supportive family doctor.

A previous participant in Neil Squire’s programs, she decided to join the Digital Jumpstart program to learn how to use Dragon Naturally Speaking to use her voice to use the computer, as her arthritis makes it difficult to type.

She first got in touch with Distance Training Coordinator Gordon Watt.

“Gordon was kind,” Judy shares. “When I told him my story, he arranged a meeting with me and he brought computer equipment over here, which was really enlightening, shocking, and brought me happiness. I couldn’t believe it.”

Through the Digital Jumpstart program, she received a laptop, a keyboard, a touch mouse that works well with her wrist injury, a laptop riser, a wireless headset, and Dragon Professional Individual 16.

She began working with Jody, her assistive technology trainer, on Dragon and general computer skills. While she had struggled to learn Dragon in the past, she enjoyed Jody’s lessons.

“I was really grateful for her patience, she was non-judgmental, and she had no problems to show me again and again if I needed to go there,” Judy says.

Judy persevered through her challenges and obstacles to complete the program. While she is deciding her next step, she continues to practice Dragon by reciting a book for a friend.

“I feel proud of myself for having the courage to ask for help in obtaining new skills. Neil Squire is so important for people with disabilities because people who have been injured cannot access regular programs and may need extra support to navigate a changing skillset needed for employment,” she explains.

“It’s been really good to get reacquainted with Neil Squire, because I’m looking at equipment, I’m looking at a bright future,” she continues. “[It] has been really awesome for my life.”