Andrea works as a Senior Executive Assistant, and her job involves scheduling meetings, responding to inquiries from the public, and coordinating accommodations. Much of her work takes place over the phone, or virtually through Microsoft Teams.

“In my current role, I am responsible for a range of tasks that require clear, consistent, and often spontaneous verbal communication,” she shares. “I have bi-lateral, sensorineural hearing loss, which I have experienced since childhood. While I have developed coping mechanisms for personal and social situations, my hearing loss impacts my ability to perform job-related tasks efficiently and equitably.

“My benefits plan covers the partial cost for hearing aids, but even with some funding, the price was too high for me to afford them.”

Through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, Andrea received funding to get the hearing aids she needs on the job.

“Since receiving hearing aids, my ability to perform my job has improved significantly. I am now able to understand conversations more accurately and consistently across all work settings, including phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person communication within my office. Workplace inclusion has also improved. I am now able to participate more fully in group discussions, informal conversations, and collaborative activities. These changes have had a positive impact on both my job performance and my overall work experience,” she explains.

“This has also had a positive impact on my overall well-being. Without hearing aids, I exert more mental energy than my peers to achieve the same level of comprehension, which reduces my productivity and affects my overall well-being at work. I didn’t realize the extent that this was affecting me until I experienced what it was like to communicate without that constant strain. With the support of hearing aids, I feel less anxious, less fatigued, and more confident in my daily interactions.”

Andrea recommends WorkBC Assistive Technology Services to others in need.

“The support I received has a meaningful and measurable impact on my ability to perform my job effectively. For individuals with disabilities, especially those whose challenges are not always visible, having access to appropriate assistive technology can make the difference between struggling to keep up and being able to contribute fully.”

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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

Please visit www.workbc-ats.ca for more information about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.

Tags: assistive technology, BC, Hearing Aids, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services