Cynthia is looking for work, in particular, a customer service or teaching role, or something else she can do from home. However, she faces many barriers that make finding employment more difficult.

“I was diagnosed with a severely enlarged heart which leaves me very weak and arthritis in my low back, hips and legs. I have poor circulation and swelling in my lower legs and am in pain all the time. Since my mobility has been severely compromised, I use a cane around my home for support and a walker when I am out. I am only able to walk for about five minutes until I need to sit and rest,” she shares.

Her home office set-up — which consisted of a small sliding TV table and an old chair that couldn’t be adjusted much in her living room — exacerbated the pain. Cynthia’s WorkBC Centre referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help making her workspace more effective. Through Assistive Technology Services, she received an ergonomic assessment and equipment for her home office.

“I have received a desk which raises and lowers — I am able to work seated and standing. I was also given an ergonomic chair with all the proper back supports. My desk is equipped with a computer monitor on an arm and my laptop is on a stand bringing the screen up to a better height for viewing,” she says. “I have a separate keyboard and wrist support and an ergonomic mouse that allows my hand to be positioned more naturally reducing stress on my wrist. Under my desk is a soft footrest that I use to raise my legs for periods throughout the day.”

With an improved home office set-up that allows her to work with less pain, Cynthia feels much more confident about the job search.

“The desk, chair and all the other devices have helped me to feel like I have a workspace that looks professional and I am less limited by my lack of mobility,” she explains. “Now that I have a dedicated workspace, I think I will be able to function at a remote job more efficiently.

“I definitely would recommend the Assistive Technology Services program. The ladies who helped me at each stage of the process were great to work with. Prior to becoming disabled, I was self-employed working two physically demanding jobs. It has not been easy to change careers. The supports have been very helpful to me, making me feel like I can make this transition efficiently.”

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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, ergonomics, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services