With the help of our Creative Employment Options program, Evan is thrilled to have found a job with Technology for Living (new window), a non-profit that helps people with physical disabilities to live independently in their homes through a wide range of assistive technology solutions — services he has received himself.
Evan is a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. He’s also a volunteer football coach with the Kamloops Broncos (new window), a role he can take on thanks in part to technology he received from Technology for Living. He joined our Creative Employment Options program looking to get back in the workforce.
“[I wanted] to knock off the rust of being out of the workplace for several years,” he shares. “The guidance, regular check-ins, and resources really helped me get settled. [My] goals were achieved very smoothly.”
He began working with his Case Manager, Mindy, at our Penticton office. He received help with resume and cover letter writing, and he took part in many modules on career development and wellness for work.
Before long, he found a great opportunity with Technology for Living as a Community Advisor for the BC Interior region. He helps support peers with disabilities in the community by organizing community events, social gatherings, educational presentations, and presenters with lived experience who can share their experiences of using technology to improve their quality of life.
It’s been a great fit for both Evan and Technology for Living.
“[Evan] is an excellent fit for the organization. They were already a service member and were therefore familiar with the services we provide. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding our high standards of member service and have integrated seamlessly into their role,” says Ean Price, Peer Program Manager and Innovation Strategist for Technology for Living.
Through our Creative Employment Options program, Technology for Living received a wage subsidy to help hire Evan.
“I would highly recommend the Creative Employment Options Program to other businesses and nonprofit organizations. The program provides meaningful support, promotes inclusive employment practices, and creates positive outcomes for both employers and employees,” Ean explains. “The hiring process was streamlined and well organized. The Creative Employment Options team provided clear communication and support throughout, making it easy to navigate each stage and ensuring a good match for both the organization and the individual.
“The wage subsidy program supported our ability to hire more people with physical disabilities and further strengthen our commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible working environment. This has had a positive impact on both our team culture and our organizational capacity.”
Evan also received accommodations through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services (new window) — including a floor stand, laptop, monitor, QuadStick, as well as Dragon dictation training — that helps him work independently from home.
“It’s been a great experience, I’ve been more productive and had a better, smoother set-up for my work,” Evan shares. “[The] entire process was very well organized and well thought out. I’m very grateful to everyone that’s helped me through this program.”
“We would like to once again thank the Neil Squire Society Creative Employment Options program for their ongoing support. Their commitment to inclusive employment has had a meaningful and lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve,” Ean concludes.
