Tammy is a career coach and trainer working with Community Futures BC to start her own business. However, hearing loss was making launching her business much more difficult.
“Having had increased hearing loss in the higher pitches over the years, I’ve often struggled with hearing words accurately and clearly which often caused confusion, slowed down the communication and oftentimes the momentum of the conversation. It was stressful and exhausting, having to work so hard to decipher what the unheard words would have most likely been, when time and impact is of the essence,” she explains, noting that she often had to rely on lip reading, which required a good line of sight and made digital and phone meetings more difficult.
“This made interviews super stressful and embarrassing when I’d miss things. It also impacted my ability to engage in group sessions and follow fast moving group conversations, and significantly impacted my ability to communicate at events with a lot of background noise where so many voices just cancelled each other out, such as job fairs or networking events.”
Her WorkBC advisor referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services to help get the hearing aids she needs to thrive in her new venture. “The biggest impact is no longer straining and stressing in conversations to decipher all the missed words,” she says.
“In communicating now, I can feel my body relax into a conversation, and be more confident and attentive to the rich context that happens organically when conversing, and coaching, knowing that I hear the words crisp and clear. This allows me to spend more time focusing on shared ideas and information, and advising instead of tensely dreading the missed words and trying to piece together a clear picture with so many missing puzzle pieces. It’s been a game changer. Thank you so much, I can’t thank you enough.
“My concern has been replaced with the confidence to move forward in following my passion and reaching my full potential professionally. I’ve just registered my new business in BC and am now excited about making an impact here in Kelowna and across Canada,” she says. “I’m now ready to give my clients my best.”
When asked if she recommends WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, Tammy doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely I’ve already repeatedly shared my amazing experience with Assistive Technology Services Program with many family, friends, and acquaintances as I think everyone should know the important work you do,” she says. “When my WorkBC Advisor referred me to Assistive Technology Services, I never imagined the impact this would have in my communication with others.
“Thank you so much for impacting my professional and personal life on such a profound way! Communication is everything — in work and life. You guys are the best and special thanks to [WorkBC Assistive Technology Services staff] Derek Wilson and Gemma Pollock, not just for your expertise but for the heart you put into your work,” she continues. “The level of support, service and respect far exceeded my expectations.”
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.
