Cass is a professional musician, who recently trained to become a technical animator in the film industry. She is currently looking for work as a technical animator, and she is also doing paid gigs as a musician.
鈥淲hen the pandemic hit and folks were wearing masks, I realized that I had been relying on my ability to read lips to understand people. I was tested in August of 2023, and diagnosed with genetic hearing loss in the lower-to-mid frequencies. It affects my ability to distinguish speech and pitch,鈥 she shares.
鈥淚 was in school from 2021 to 2023, and I found I had to strain to understand the instructors. I frequently had to ask them to repeat themselves, and I fear that this led them to perceive me as older and less capable than I am. This would be a major barrier in an industry where collaboration and effective communication are essential. On the musical front, I lost gigs. [. . .] Music has represented anywhere from 20% to 100% of my annual income over the last 20 years, so the financial and emotional impact was enormous.鈥
Her audiologist referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for funding for hearing aids.
鈥淭hrough the Assistive Technology Services program, I received the financial support to purchase excellent hearing aids,鈥 she says.
She soon noticed a big difference in her ability to hear.
鈥淭he most immediate improvement was my ability to hear pitch and speech. I didn’t understand how profoundly isolating my hearing loss had become. I can now move forward with my job search with renewed energy and confidence,鈥 she says.
鈥淲ith regard to music, I’ve been able to book paying gigs. [. . .] I know that being able to hear properly in the workplace will put me on a more even footing in the job market.
鈥淚 would absolutely recommend the Assistive Technology Services program to others, and I’m extremely grateful for the help.鈥
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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