For over 20 years, Heather has helped students from across the globe learn English as an English Second Language teacher. But now she’s having an easier time inside the classroom, thanks to hearing aids purchased with the help of WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.

“I feel less tired and frustrated in class since I don’t have to ask for repetition or apologize for not being able to hear. I also feel less isolated in social situations,” she explains.

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Daniel, of Kelowna, works in the industrial supply sector, filling compressed gases and inspecting materials for welding supplies, also filling from time to time as a relief driver.

The difference for Daniel since getting hearing aids with the help of WorkBC Assistive Technology Services has been enormous.

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With a new wheelchair lift in her van thanks to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, Angela no long has to worry about her commute to work.

“I now have a safe and reliable means of getting to work,” she shares. “This has removed a great deal of stress for me.”

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Originally created in partnership with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital as a writing and research app for individuals with physical or learning disabilities, WordQ quickly became recognized as an app that could be beneficial to all students, especially for those individuals who struggle with English as a first or second language. Originally created in the early 2000s, this app is now in its 5th iteration, with new features and functions being added in every new version. Today, WordQ is available for iPad, Chromebook, PC, Mac, and as an extension to the Google Chrome internet browser, making it compatible with virtually any modern computer.

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Michelle, of Kelowna, works with a non-profit group, giving leadership and training primarily in Latin America. Her work sees her providing interactive training, as well as coaching and working with their teams on the ground.

It’s work that requires a lot of listening, and that was becoming a problem.

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In recent years, audio-based entertainment and learning has becoming more and more prevalent with the rise of many audiobook services such as LibriVox, Kobo, and, the subject of this week’s ebulletin, Audible.

Audible not only offers an impressive library of audio-based books, radio shows, magazines, and theater performances, this service features top-tier actors and narrators such as Emma Thompson, Jimmy Carter, John Malkovich, and countless other A-list talents.

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Anybody who has had to deal with hearing impairments, poor hearing, or too much background noise during an important conversation has probably at least once in their lives wished that their conversations could have been closed captioned. And, especially for corporate users, having those captioned conversations transcribed and saved for later review could be invaluable within the business world. The app that we’re looking at today does all that and more.

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For many of us, the ability to effectively navigate the outside world is something we take for granted. But, for individuals who are blind or have low vision, engaging with the outside world can be a frustrating and sometimes frightening experience. Now, imagine if there was an app/service that allowed users to “borrow” someone’s vision when they needed it the most?

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Shruti, of Richmond, is “truly grateful” for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program.

“Thanks to the Assistive Technology Services program I am excelling at work! Not only am I able to perform my job responsibilities, my hard work has made an impact,” she exclaims. “My contract, which was originally for three months and meant to end in mid August, was extended another three months!”

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On December 3rd, Makers Making Change will be hosting a LipSync Buildathon in Fredericton, an event that will have community members building an assistive device, the LipSync. The LipSync is a mouth controlled input device, or mouse, which enables people with little or no hand movement to operate a touchscreen device, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Participants will learn soldering, assembly and 3D printing skills while being guided by Neil Squire Society staff through the building process, so even those with no experience building will be able to participate!

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