PEOPLE with disabilities will have better employment opportunities with personalized technologies funded through a $1-million grant to CanAssist, an organization based at the University of Victoria (UVic).
People with disabilities often face many barriers to being hired and remaining in jobs. Some individuals need customized assistive devices that meet their specific needs to succeed in the workforce.
“Assistive technologies make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by helping them to overcome barriers,” said Susie Chant, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, on Wednesday. “It’s exciting to see this funding for CanAssist going toward assistive technology specifically focused on ensuring accessible employment for everybody. I look forward to seeing what the team at UVic creates and how their efforts will benefit all British Columbians.”
CanAssist develops technologies for people of all ages and disabilities when they cannot be obtained elsewhere. Attending to the requests of families and people with disabilities, occupational therapists and health-care professionals, devices that are developed can also be adapted for use of a larger group. With these funds, CanAssist will focus on tools specifically designed to support people with disabilities in the workplace.
This grant complements WorkBC’s Assistive Technology Services, which provide supports to help people thrive in the workplace, including ergonomic and mobility supports, communication and hearing devices, as well as workplace and vehicle modifications.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to apply CanAssist expertise in developing personalized assistive technologies to support individuals who need practical solutions to be successful in securing or maintaining employment,” said Robin Syme, executive director, CanAssist at UVic. “We are grateful for this investment in CanAssist as we continue partnering with the Province in support of people living with disabilities.”
Participants will be identified with collaboration between the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, WorkBC, and disability service organizations, such as Community Living B.C.
This $1-million in provincial funding comes from the 2022-23 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement. Under the agreement, the Province receives more than $300 million each year to fund employment services and supports, including those provided through the 102 WorkBC centres throughout the province, and through the assistive technology contract.
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program or product system used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.
Examples of assistive technology solutions:
* J.P.’s support team at WorkSafeBC asked if CanAssist could provide a software tool to help him remember tasks requiring a sequence of steps. He had acquired a brain injury while at work and was struggling to remember things. CanAssist developed an app that breaks down tasks into a sequence of photos, which can be accompanied by voiced instructions or text. The app enabled him to make a successful return to work.
* Mobility and dexterity challenges prevented Rachel from using a conventional filing cabinet. CanAssist built a cabinet with motorized doors and instead of a key, an electronic keypad to unlock them.
* Garry Curry is part of a group of artists who work at a Victoria studio. He turns slabs of stone into sculptures. CanAssist had previously made customized chisels for Curry. However, he was still struggling to securely hold the piece of stone in place when working on it. CanAssist created a device that holds pieces of stone securely, powered by an electric car jack.
* CanAssist made ergonomic handles for a professional butcher who had developed a repetitive strain injury in his wrist. The grips allowed the client to continue working and use a butcher’s knife more comfortably and safely.
* A Switch Access Interface was designed to help a client with limited dexterity control his smartphone using three accessibility switches. The device allows him to navigate and type on his phone independently. It connects wirelessly to the client’s phone via Bluetooth and has several modes of operation for typing or navigating.
* CanAssist created a cutting board that enables people to safely use a kitchen knife with only one hand. It is attached to a pivot-and-slider mechanism that lets the user easily slice, chop and move the knife across the cutting board.
