Brad works as a Senior Software Developer, designing and developing software. His role also requires a lot of communication — with his duties including gathering requirements from stakeholders, reporting on his project status, mentoring developers, conducting code reviews, participating in meetings, collaborating with his team, and troubleshooting technical issues.
“I have been diagnosed with bilateral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus,” he shares. “This makes it difficult to follow conversations, particularly during meetings, group discussions, and online calls. It also makes it harder to understand speech in noisy environments or when multiple people are speaking, which impacts communication and collaboration in my role.”
His audiologist referred him to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help getting the hearing aids he needs for work. “The Assistive Technology Services program provided funding towards the purchase of my hearing aids. This funding helped make them more affordable and accessible,” he explains.
Brad has already noticed a big difference on the job. “My hearing aids have improved my ability to perform my job by making it easier to communicate effectively in meetings and discussions,” he says. “They have made it easier to understand conversations, reducing the need to ask others to repeat themselves or speak louder. This has improved my communication with colleagues and stakeholders, allowing me to participate more confidently and effectively in my daily work.
“They have also reduced the mental effort required to follow conversations, helping me stay focused during longer meetings.”
When asked if he would recommend the program to others, Brad doesn’t hesitate.
“Yes, I would absolutely recommend the Assistive Technology Services program to others, and I already have,” Brad shares. “This program has provided valuable assistance that helped me access the assistive technology I needed for my employment.
“I would like to thank the Assistive Technology Services program for providing this support. My hearing aids have made a meaningful difference in my ability to communicate effectively and perform my job responsibilities.”
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.
