Lisa: Pursuing Your Passions at Any Age

Lisa discovered job options and services designed to support people with disabilities. Read her story…

Before moving to B.C., Lisa worked as a produce clerk in Ontario. When she moved to Nanaimo, she found a similar job at a local grocer. Lisa has 20% of her hearing and reads lips to help understand when she communicates. When COVID-19 restrictions came into effect, communication became more challenging and she was no longer able to fulfill her job requirements.

Lisa was referred to WorkBC through the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre. WorkBC provided Lisa with resume support, one-to-one workshops, and tools on how to talk with potential employers about her disability. Lisa worked with a WorkBC employment counsellor who also supported Lisa to explore her interests and skills. Lisa’s employment counsellor recognized her skills and abilities and connected her with Kayden Designs, a local employer. She had a successful interview, and with the help of the WorkBC Wage Subsidy program was hired as a seamstress making adaptive clothing

After successfully completing the Wage Subsidy, Lisa was hired and continues her work with Kayden Designs. She is extremely happy about her experience with WorkBC and the new job, stating “I never thought it would be possible to have my dream job at the age of 64.”

September marks Disability Employment Month in British Columbia and provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce. WorkBC provides a range of services and initiatives to support people like Lisa to develop workplace skills and access work experience, employment opportunities, and assistive technologies.

Want to take the next step in achieving your employment goals? Find your local WorkBC Centre. Please call or email your local WorkBC Centre before you visit to learn more about service options and resources available.

You can also visit the WorkBC Online Employment Services portal, where you can connect directly with WorkBC staff and access a range of services and supports anytime.