“I wanted to know I could put my hands on the keys and the computer wouldn’t blow up.” This was Lisa’s goal when she first joined the Computer Comfort Program about a year ago. She lives with a severed spinal cord at the C5 and C6 vertebrae (new window) leaving her with very limited movement in her wrists, shoulders and hands and requiring her to use an electric wheelchair to get around.

Lisa had learned limited computer skills as a receptionist for an insurance company, a job she had held for twelve years, but found that those skills were not really transferable as the program she used there was only used in that particular office. So when she got a computer for her home she knew she needed some help learning the basics. She learned about the Neil Squire Society (new window) from her Occupational Therapist (new window) at Raven Song  Community Health Centre (new window).

Lisa says she sometimes has trouble remembering the lessons she has learned until about the third time, but it has still been beneficial. “I think it’s been very positive and challenging for me. Everyone (in the Computer Comfort classroom) has something different to offer, which is good because we’re all in one room and if one person doesn’t know the answer someone else will. It has been really good to learn in that environment,” says Lisa, adding “Munesh has helped me so much.” She has been learning to use the internet in general, as well Facebook (new window) and her calendar.

Since participating in the Computer Comfort Program Lisa believes she has become more independent in dealing with her family. “We’re spread right across Canada. Through Facebook (new window) I can find out what everybody’s doing, how their health is, their jobs are, children and grandchildren etcetera. That’s a great motivator for me.”

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