Allan was trained as a computer technician at the Open Learning Agency (new window) in 2000. He had intended to make a living fixing computers, but when he began to make his way through the industry he discovered that it was going to be more difficult than he thought. The problem was accessibility (new window).

Allan is a tetraplegic (new window) and has had to use a wheelchair since injuring his back in a car accident at the age of 17. He found that the tech rooms in most companies were generally the smallest, least wheelchair accessible rooms in the building. Cramped quarters and high shelves made working for most of the companies he looked at next to impossible.

Allan decided that he needed help finding the right job, so en enrolled in the Employ-Ability Program at the Neil Squire Society in Burnaby, British Columbia. Shortly after graduation, Allan began volunteering as a Computer Refurbisher in another Neil Squire Society Program, Computer Comfort. This volunteer position was an opportunity for Allan to get his foot in the door at an organization that would not only allow him to hone his communications and workplace skills, but to work in an accessible environment. It was a vital first step toward re-entering the workforce.

When a technical support job opportunity arose in the Employ-Ability Program, Allan jumped on it and was hired almost immediately. Allan continues to volunteer in the Computer Comfort Program and he is very grateful to the Computer Comfort team for the opportunities they have provided him.

If you would like to make a donation to support others like Allan, you may do so here.