Allison is self-employed, doing contract consulting work with a number of clients, including non-profit organizations, local governments, educational institutions, membership organizations, and small businesses. Her focus is on grant and proposal management and writing. She also seeks out meaningful part-time opportunities to supplement her consulting work, and regularly undergoes training to support her business goals.
“Much of my work requires extended computer use, reading and processing large amounts of information, drafting detailed written documents, and maintaining focus and productivity throughout the workday,” she shares.
She has had Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years, which can make that work more difficult. “[It] can affect my energy levels, concentration, stamina, and physical tasks from walking to typing, as I experience numbness from time to time and it can be random. Symptoms can fluctuate from day to day, sometimes making it difficult to predict my capacity and maintain consistent productivity without appropriate supports,” she says.
Through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services (ATS), Allison received Dragon dictation software, a new laptop compatible with Dragon, a fully adjustable office chair, a mouse and keyboard that addresses the numbness in her fingers, a monitor, webcam, and a USB hub. She also received extensive training from the Assistive Technology Services team in using Dragon, as well as the ergonomic equipment.
“ATS has had an incredibly positive impact on my ability to continue working as a self-employed consultant; being able to work for myself can be critical in both time and symptom management, and I don’t think I could speak highly enough about the support I received from the program,” she explains. “These supports helped me create a workspace that is more comfortable, accessible, and sustainable. The ergonomic equipment reduces physical strain and helps me manage my energy more effectively throughout the workday, and Dragon has been especially valuable for writing, note-taking, document preparation, and managing numerous computer tasks, reducing the fatigue associated with prolonged computer use.
“The impact on my productivity has been substantial; these supports have helped me remain independent and continue working through my consulting practice, something that I was beginning to consider would soon become too difficult to maintain. Now, I have much greater confidence in my ability to sustain my business and remain actively working, as well as contributing to my community, in the long term.”
The accommodations have made Allison’s work much more sustainable.
“It has become so much easier for me to continue carrying out the functions of my consulting work. The ergonomic equipment has reduced strain and made it possible to work more comfortably throughout the day, while Dragon allows me to complete writing-intensive tasks with much less fatigue. Together, the technology helps me conserve energy, stay focused on higher-value work, and manage my workload more effectively. Most importantly, these supports help me continue working despite the challenges of living with a disability so I can remain active as a consultant, continue serving clients, and contribute to community initiatives that are important to me,” she says.
“Before working with the ATS program, I was beginning to consider slowing down considerably from my workload and even stop growing my business so that I could better manage my health. Now, thanks to ATS, I have been better able to sustain my consulting business, look for new opportunities, and consider increasing my work capacity — still within a reasonable level, but knowing that I have accommodation devices that will help me both maintain and grow my consulting portfolio. Instead of spending valuable energy on repetitive or physically demanding tasks, I can focus more on client work, project delivery, relationship-building, and strategic growth. And the ability to maintain a strong level of independence is very important to me; the program has had an incredibly positive impact on that aspect of living with a disability.”
When asked if she’d recommend WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, Allison is clear. “Yes, absolutely, without hesitation! The equipment, software, and training were tailored to my needs and have made a real difference in my day-to-day work and life. Living with a disability can create so many barriers to employment, particularly when fatigue affects your ability to work consistently. For me, the program has either eliminated or significantly lessened those barriers,” she says.
“When I began exploring the program, and others related to being a self-employed person with a disability, I wasn’t at all sure what to expect. But the trainers and consultants who worked with me to identify my needs and address them were absolutely amazing. Incredibly patient, empathetic, and extremely knowledgeable about all of the technology now at my fingertips. Could not thank them enough!”
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.
