Wayne, who is , began working with Fredericton Works, a non-profit agency that provides employment counselling for the deaf and hard of hearing, and also the . There were many barriers to be overcome when the two organizations began their partnership to assist Wayne in finding employment. It took education in relation to deaf clients, encouragement, support, a willing employer and a little technology thrown in for good measure. Wayne is now happily employed in the maintenance department of Pine Grove Nursing Home, in , New Brunswick.
For someone who has never worked with or employed a deaf individual, there are always two issues that are part of any initial employment discussion: safety and communication. The safety issues can be discussed and usually these objections can be overcome, but the issue of communication often looms for a longer period of time. Interpreters are always provided for interviews, training and for employee or employer needs throughout the duration of employment, but the issue of day to day communication, once the interpreters are no longer there, can be of great concern for the employer.
The needs of a deaf employee are unique and take a solid understanding of what will work and what will not work. Consultations between the Pine Grove Nursing Home, Fredericton Works, , the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï51, and of course Wayne, resulted in positive results for all. In this particular instance, the communications solution presented itself in the form on an equipped with the , which was provided by the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï51 as part of the Working Together Program. A waterproof and shatter resistant case was also provided for Wayne and both Pine Grove and Wayne were trained on how to use the iPad and the app. Wayne’s iPad is an integral part of his working day. His supervisor uses it, his fellow employees use it, and everyone benefits from having this technology in the workplace.
The communication concerns felt by Pine Grove prior to committing to hiring Wayne were alleviated with the knowledge that an iPad would be a part of his employment package. This directly impacted their decision to hire Wayne. Communication was the issue, but through discussions about how well this equipment and software would work, the barrier to employment was lowered and eventually alleviated.
Congratulations, Wayne!