Jessica is a young woman with which affects her mobility and her peripheral vision on her left side. Because of this Jessica has not been able to get her driver鈥檚 license, a rite of passage and a ticket to freedom for many young people. Nevertheless, Jessica is determined to seek out her independence. From an early age Jessica learned to cope with her disability. While other kids were tying their shoes with two hands, Jessica did it with one! Finding the right career path, acquiring the necessary skills and tools, and setting out a realistic plan to achieve her goals were essential to Jessica in gaining her independence.
Jessica has never shied away from hard work. In the past she worked in labour intensive positions such as housekeeping and landscaping. Unfortunately, these positions only aggravated her symptoms. Fatigue caused her left foot to drag, and she often experienced intense pain in her hips and back. Jessica knew she had to find a new career path.
At the Jessica was able to work with Assistive Technology Specialist, Charles Levasseur, and Assistive Technology Support Specialist, Danielle Wylie. They helped her find tools and techniques that would help her in the classroom, in her job search, and in her life as a whole. Assistive technology gave Jessica independence and confidence, which ultimately was a benefit to the Employ-Ability Program class as she often used her tech savvy ways to help others.
Jessica is now taking her new found confidence in search of employment as a retail sales associate. With her willingness to help others and the ability to adapt there is no doubt that Jessica is headed on a successful career path.