Theresa has been working as a public service assistant at a library for 10 years, helping people from all walks of life access resources at the library.

“I experienced gradual, age-related hearing loss that made it very difficult to understand conversations,” she shares. “I was constantly asking people to repeat themselves, and it was as frustrating to me as I am sure it was to anyone with whom I was attempting to converse, both patrons and colleagues.”

Through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, Theresa received funding for the hearing aids she needs on the job.

“[It’s] night and day improvement. When I got the hearing aids, I was amazed at how much sound I was missing. It’s so much easier to interact with our patrons, and to understand the various accents I encounter every day. It’s been a fantastic improvement in my quality of life overall,” she says.

“I am much more effective at my job. Prior to receiving the hearing aids, I was contemplating having to quit my job because it was becoming so difficult to manage interactions, which made me very unhappy because I love my work.”

Theresa says she recommends WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, having already referred people she knows.

“I am very grateful that this service is available. I found the high cost of hearing aids to be prohibitive, and without the ATS Program I would not only be out of a job, but also much more isolated in general. Thank you so much for all you have done. And a big shout-out to my case manager who was very patient and helpful, and guided me through the whole process.”

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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