Amy is currently working part-time, while taking online courses in marketing, social media, and videography.
“In early 2025, I suffered an L5-S1 herniated disk injury that took me out for a long time. I ran my own dog grooming business which I had to close down due to this injury. I needed to learn new skills that weren’t so physically demanding,” she shares. “Although I have made great progress in my healing journey, I am still limited to what I can do on a daily basis — repetitive bending, heavy lifting, and sitting for long periods of time in the wrong chair causes the pain to flare up.”
Looking for more sustainable work, she went to her local WorkBC Centre and began working with an Employment Counsellor. When she mentioned that she wanted to take courses to learn new skills for employment, but couldn’t sit in a regular chair because of her injury, she was referred to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services. In no time, she received an ergonomic assessment and was on her way to getting the accommodations she needed.
“[Occupational Therapist] Gemma from the Assistive Technology Services program came to my house and allowed me to try out an ergonomic chair, and different types of keyboards and mouses to see what suited me best,” Amy explains. “I was also provided a footrest which has been very helpful to allow me to move my legs and feet when sitting for long periods of time. She also showed me how to set up dictation on my laptop for when I felt too sore to type. She also explained how I should be sitting in the chair for my specific injury.”
In all, Amy received a geoCentric ergonomic office chair, desk extender, footrest, ergonomic keyboard, a vertical mouse, as well as training through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.
“I’m grateful for this setup from Assistive Technology Services program. Prior to receiving it, I was unable to sit and focus for more than a few minutes due to pain flaring up in my back and neck. The chair helps take pressure off my lower back when sitting which allows me to focus on learning instead of the pain. The mouse and keyboard also help manage my neck pain,” she shares.
Amy says she “absolutely” recommends WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, saying that the accommodations have opened up opportunities as she develops her skills for a new career.
“I am still taking online courses, but have started helping a couple of businesses with social media and video editing. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without an ergonomic setup,” she says.
“I would just like to say thank you to the Assistive Technology Services program for providing me with this equipment to allow me to learn new skills when I otherwise would have been unable to.”
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 (new window) for more information about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.
