Jill is a cheerful resident of Penticton who loves nature. She has fine motor coordination issues, dyspraxia, and memory challenges.
“I am diagnosed as uncoordinated, slow… I had a hard time growing up like that. I was living in a small town. And I didn’t find out until I was 20 years old.
“I was always picked last for teams,” she remembers, having enjoyed playing volleyball. “But at least it didn’t turn me off sports as an adult. I tell my friends: You’re never too old to play sports.”
Hearing about her friends using their computers made her want to learn too. She also has “lots of pictures” that she likes sharing with others. Already familiar with Neil Squire, she decided to enroll in Distance Computer Comfort.
Learning About the Computer
Jill works two hours a week at Penticton and Area Cooperative Enterprises (PACE) as a janitor. After completing her shift at PACE, she would use their computers to do her Distance Computer Comfort sessions.
When Jill began classes, she was asked what she wanted to learn, to which she responded, “All about the computer!”
Over her 12 sessions with the program, she learned about calendars, dragging and dropping items, Gmail, and search functions.
“I had two terrific tutors,” says Jill. “They were great at it and so patient. These guys are a hoot. They’re just fantastic, all in all. I couldn’t ask for better.”
She appreciated how her tutors checked in with her.
“The tutors checked in — they sent notes on my computer, and I answered them. I like that, when people get back to you. It’s great that they all followed up.
“Oh, I have had a good experience. One of the greatest experiences.”
Jill can’t spend as much time on the computer, because she is a caregiver to her mother.
“When I forget things [on the computer], I have my brother who can help me and remind me. But a little bit’s better than nothing — that’s my saying.”
What’s Next
Having joined Neil Squire’s Working Together program in the past, Jill is planning to reach out to the Penticton office again for help with her employment goals.
She continues to go hiking in the bush when she can, and she hopes to go fishing more.
“I used to go fishing and camping, but health-wise I couldn’t continue sleeping in tents,” she explains. “I still want to go fishing, but I haven’t made it. But I love it. I still talk about it and drive my family bananas!”