While she was previously working remotely as a part-time tutor, Emily joined our Working Together program looking for work that fit her needs and offered more independence. She has ADHD along with sensory processing challenges.

“Living with both means struggling not only with concentration, but with anxiety, pain, and fatigue from hypersensitivity,” she says from Prince George, BC. “Most workplace environments are overwhelming for someone with a sensory disorder, and because I struggled to sustain full-time work, financial independence was an ongoing challenge.”

Through Working Together, Emily found a perfect fit ⁠— initially hired as an Access Mapper with Spinal Cord Injury BC (new window) (SCI BC), she was quickly promoted to their Access BC (new window) Coordinator. Since 1957, SCI BC has helped people with spinal cord injuries adjust, adapt, and thrive, while their Access BC initiative focuses on making outdoor recreation and tourist experiences more accessible.

“I do a mix of administrative and field work, focused on making outdoor recreation more accessible for people with disabilities. On any given day I could be working with spreadsheets, editing web pages, creating documents, making phone calls to stakeholders, or walking through the woods with a camera and a measuring tape!”

Emily worked with Neil Squire staff to find the right workplace accommodations and solutions for her needs, which included a chair, sensory solutions, and a flexible schedule that allows her to work from home part of the time.

“My wobble stool allows me to move my body freely while working, which boosts concentration and prevents pain and stiffness. This, together with the ability to work in a quiet, private office with natural light, is a complete game-changer for me,” she shares.

And the fit wasn’t just perfect for Emily ⁠— it’s been an excellent for one for her employer as well.

“We are very pleased with Emily’s performance. She is detail-oriented, has great communication skills, enjoys learning new things, is a great team player, and managers her time and tasks well. She has proven to be an excellent fit within the organization,” says SCI BC Executive Director Chris McBride.

This has been another successful collaboration between BC SCI Network partners, which benefits people with disabilities across the province.

“SCI BC has been partnering with Neil Squire for many years and has had several successful experiences through the Working Together program,” says SCI BC Executive Director Chris McBride. “[The hiring process was] very smooth. We felt very supported. There was good communication with Neil Squire staff, who provided flexible solutions that were mindful of accommodations for the employee and employer alike.

“The Working Together program staff and Neil Squire in general are incredibly supportive and professional. They are a high-quality and trusted community partner.”

As for Emily, she looks forward to continuing to build her skills and make connections with SCI BC, and to continue making an impact on accessibility in BC, thanks to her time in Working Together.

“I can say that my confidence has greatly increased since being in the program. I’ve struggled with isolation for years because the outside world is generally too loud, bright, and fast for me. I’m now able to work full-time, use my skills to help others, and manage my sensory challenges. I also live independently! I’m very grateful to Neil Squire and SCI BC for their support,” she says.

“I highly recommend the Working Together program to anyone struggling with disability-related challenges in the workplace.”