Kathleen is a full time student at the Vernon campus of Okanagan College.

Nerve damage in her neck due to a car accident and a workplace overuse injury make it hard for her to study for long periods of time.

“It causes pain and numbness that is worsened by sitting or being in one position for prolonged periods of time,” she explains. “It is debilitating when it escalates to the point where I am unable to continue studying or participating in class.”

A case worker at Community Futures North Okanagan referred her to the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program.

Through the program, she received an adjustable height desk, ergonomic chair, external monitor arm, and an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. As well, the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services team worked with her to optimally set up her assistive technology.

Kathleen says WorkBC Assistive Technology Services has “absolutely” improved her ability to study.

“[It has made a] 100% difference! I am able to adjust the equipment to my body needs throughout the day. This allows me to manage the pain before it gets out of control. It is an absolute game changer, especially now that all my studies will be online. This space is essentially my classroom and without this equipment I am not sure I would be able to pull it off,” she explains. “It is an invaluable service that I am so grateful for.”

She praises the team for their “patience, expertise and above all empathy and understanding” while working with her, and could not be happier with how things have turned out.

“I would not hesitate to recommend this program to anyone,” Kathleen says. “I experience much less pain when working on my studies. I am able to sleep better due to the fact that the pain has not escalated throughout the day. I am also able to concentrate for longer periods of time as I am able to adjust the equipment as I get uncomfortable which allows me to manage the pain and so I can keep my mind on my studies.”

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, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services