Denise works for a supportive housing program in Kelowna as a Home Support Worker, serving a diverse population, including persons with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and trauma. She was recently diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears.
“It has severely impacted my ability to communicate effectively over the years,” she shares. “[I work in] a position of support to participants in daily living, and that is all about communication. The ability to truly listen, learn, comprehend, and assess what the participants needs are is imperative. Not being able to hear and decipher in communicating with both clients and co-workers has been embarrassing, frustrating and created anxiety with many barriers.”
Having learned about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services from an audiologist visiting her workplace, she decided to apply for funding for hearing aids and was quickly approved.
“Receiving hearing aids has given me the opportunity to feel more confidence and have hope. I have been modifying my life in all aspects to be able to hear, or pretend to hear, understand or be understood. I have excluded myself from many situations that seemed impossible to navigate with my disability,” she says.
Denise recommends WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, commending the service she received from staff.
“The ATS team were so supportive, accommodating and patient every step of the process in expediting this so quickly,” she says. “I am very grateful for all those involved in getting me to a place in life where I need to be, and it is making a difference.”
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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