There is a support network in British Columbia that can help people with disabilities and need equipment, such as scooters, hearing aids, computer assistive technology, electric door openers, speech aids, etc., to get into the workforce.
The BC Personal Supports Network (BCPSN) first project is called Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI), which is available to help people with disabilities access sources for assistance.
There are more than 500 organizations and more than 80 government programs available to people with disabilities, BCPSN co-ordinator Paul Gauthier says, adding that for some people it can be overwhelming.
“It’s hard enough to be physically disabled or have a limitation in this life without knowing where to turn.”
Gauthier notes that EATI is there to help deal with that maze.
“We believe people want to work; they want to have the ability to work.”
If you’re a person with a disability, including seniors who may need hearing aids and who have employment-related goals or volunteer goals leading to employment, you are encouraged to contact BCPSN to see if you are eligible for the program, says Gauthier.
EATI has a cup-of-tea approach, he adds.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people. There are support staff, aptly named navigators, who will guide you through the process, assist you through the applications and eligibility procedures.”
100 Mile House resident Lori Fry knows first hand how EATI works.
“I have benefited so much. I couldn’t have continued with my volunteer work, my work and, quite frankly, I couldn’t have afforded the equipment.”
Starting her application process in November 2009, Fry began receiving equipment by March 2010. Some of the devices that EATI provided included software for her computer, which reads aloud what’s on the screen; the Pen Friend that allows Fry to apply adhesive labels to anything she wants and by holding the tip of the “pen” can record what the item is; and a Intel Reader, which translates scanned items into digital text that turns into an audio record.
“My navigator was the best; Albert [Ruel] helped me so much. I needed a lot of equipment and he helped me through the process and defended my application to the deciding panel.”
I would recommend contacting BCPSN to anyone with a disability if they have volunteer or work-related goals, Fry says, adding people can call her if they want at 250-395-2452.
As long as the equipment provided is going to remove a barrier to go to work, Gauthier says they don’t need the history of how their disability happened and don’t necessarily need a doctor’s referral. He emphasized that EATI is not an employment agency.
“We know that having access to a piece of equipment will open doors for people and what may not have been possible before the technology is now very possible.” Gauthier adds it’s not expected a person will start work tomorrow but they do have to have a goal to gain employment once they have access to the right piece of equipment.
“I believe we need to invest in people with disabilities. They have a strong work ethic and they will give back 110 per cent.”
For more information on BCPSN and EATI, call 1-877-333-7554, e-mail EATI@BCPSN.org or visit the website at www.bcpsn.org.
