At the age of three, Sarah was diagnosed with . Soon after, she began using a power chair.
“The major things it affects are my gross motor skills, weaker in my left side,” she says. “Cognitively, I am very high functioning; I just experience some physical barriers. I have been using assistive technology like for about 14 years and consider myself to be highly experienced.”
Sarah has a degree in journalism. During her search for employment in that field, she was referred to Neil Squire and the Working Together program.
Sarah soon began working with Shanelle Waiting, Neil Squire’s Service Coordinator in Alberta. She upgraded her cover letter skills and practiced mock interview questions, which helped improve her confidence.
Sarah says Working Together “has helped me with knowing how to talk about my disability – something that I felt was holding me back in previous interviews. I felt that explaining my barriers/supports was such a negative thing. Working with Shanelle, I became more comfortable with interacting with prospective employers.”
Sarah’s hard work soon turned into an Editorial Assistant position at .
“I will be working with producers to gather information and sources, conduct pre-interviews and assist with research,” she explains.
At work, she is continuing to use Dragon Naturally Speaking, along with an adapted mouse. She also uses a sit/stand desk so she can fit her chair more comfortably.
“Working with Neil Squire gave me the confidence I needed,” says Sarah. “I knew I have the skills, [but] it wasn’t always the easiest thing for me to talk to employers about accommodations and other things I may need in the workplace. Working with the organization has given me confidence in myself and what I can contribute to the workplace. I am very grateful for that and for Shanelle‘s support as my job coach/career advisor.”
Sarah has some advice for others who may be in a similar situation: “You can achieve anything with hard work and perseverance. In difficult times, even if others cannot see our vision, we must never stop believing in ourselves and our unique abilities and limitless possibilities.”