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.
“I have a hard time with phone calls. With the addition of masks and barriers, thanks to COVID-19, communications became very difficult and began to enact anxiety, which I previously did not experience.â€
With her hearing impairment worsening, her doctor referred her to . They recommended she apply to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services to help get hearing aids.
“While I do enjoy some coverage through an extended health and dental plan, it is such a paltry amount compared to the on boarding costs of hearing aids. As the single earner in my two-child household, the initial costs of these devices were very prohibitive,†she says. “Thanks to ATS, I was able to access life changing technology.â€
The new hearing aids have made a big difference in Carissa’s ability to work and her self-confidence — she even received a promotion.
“Having hearing aids has changed my life!†she exclaims. “I am not so tense, my whole body is more relaxed. I am able to pick up on more conversation, I am asking ‘pardon me’ way less often. People don’t startle me, I can hear them coming, so I am more at ease, day to day. I used to avoid phone calls, as much as possible, now with these Bluetooth devices, I am much more willing to pick up the phone to connect.
“I am much more comfortable. I feel as though a level of tension has left my body. I feel grace in my day to day, that wasn’t available to me before these devices. Thanks to my increased comfort, I have been a better worker. It is easier for me to communicate, easier to pick up on subtleties. I was able to put myself forward for a promotion and I received it!â€
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services is operated by Neil Squire. Assistive Technology Services are available to individuals who have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation. This may include barriers related to traveling to and from the workplace.
Questions about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services? Need help applying? Contact us: 1-844-453-5506 or info-ats@workbc.ca
Please visit for more information about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.