Kari works with a non-profit drop-in resource centre in Vernon that helps people find and understand health services and supports. She runs a monthly chronic pain group for the non-profit, and she also manages their social media and website.
“I do quite a bit of work on the computer, and this has brought great pain to my neck and shoulder area as I have degenerative disc disorder, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, along with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and chronic migraines. This makes it very difficult to work for any length of time as I am in so much pain,” she shares.
“I also carry supplies needed for my monthly chronic pain groups and have had to find ways to carry these in an easier filing system with wheels as I just don’t have the strength to carry it from the street into the venue.”
Kari learned about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services from her manager, and wanted to find adaptive supports to help her work on the computer and at her meetings.
She worked with a WorkBC Assistive Technology Services occupational therapist to find the supports that best fit her needs.
“I was able to receive a new keyboard tray that is adjustable so that I can have more ergonomic support when I am typing. I was also able to receive a more supportive office chair which allows me to make adjustments throughout the day to whatever area of my body may need extra support,” she says. “I was also able to receive a rolling filing storage unit that makes it easy for me to wheel my supplies to my venue.”
She has already seen a big difference in her workday.
“I feel that I can give more of my time and energy as I can work longer hours, if need be, without causing a migraine, which would usually put me flat on my back, so this has been incredibly helpful,” she says.
“I find that I am able to work longer without more pain, and I can sit back in my chair, and have more support on my back and my neck, while still being able to work on my computer.
“[I] definitely would recommend this program as it has been a life changer.”
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
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