At our Prairie Regional Office, you might meet Blaine and his guide dog, Oscar. Starting out as a participant in our Working Together, Digital Jumpstart, and Group Employment Skills programs, Blaine recently joined our team as a JAWS trainer, working a couple days a week.

Recently, Blaine planned a coffee and conversation event for Neil Squire staff. He created an events page on Facebook and hyped everyone up through interactive posts, links, and informative information leading up to the event. At first, Blaine did not know how to navigate all the features involved in managing a Facebook business page using JAWS — a screen reader.

Not knowing didn’t stop him from networking with and learning from individuals who have managed social media pages in the past. Blaine’s hard work, willingness to learn, and problem solving not only resulted in an excellent turnout at his coffee event, but also a job offer as a Social Media Manager at Eastview Community Centre (new window). (He’s loving the new job).

Here’s Blaine’s experience with Neil Squire in his own words:

“My name is Blaine, and I’m a blind man who has been looking for work since returning to Regina from Calgary. I was born premature with an eye condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) where pressure of the eye can cause detachment of the retina. I was born 1 pound, 11 ounces at 25 weeks gestation and spent 5 months in the Winnipeg hospital.

I reached out to some local small businesses and working Facebook groups to see if there was anyone that would be willing to take a chance on hiring a person with a visual disability. It was in one of these groups where I was referred to Neil Squire by Laurie, a Neil Squire staff member.

I thought, ‘Why not? What do I have to lose.’ If anything, I was going to gain some more experience, get help with resumes and updating to the current standards, and network. I knew there was a lot of opportunity out there and the only barrier was perceptions of blind people in the workforce. All it took was someone believing in me and my capabilities. I started with Neil Squire in July 2022.

This program has been one of a kind. I have been through many different agencies, and none has come close to the performance that Neil Squire offers. I have enjoyed working in the restaurant world, but wanted something a little more structured (9 to 5), so I received assistance with career exploration. I knew a fair amount about Microsoft but with the changes that came, I wanted to be updated and learn how to do things I didn’t know about. I wanted to learn how to do a PowerPoint presentation independently so that if I served on a board and needed to make a presentation I could do so.

As I’ve previously alluded to, Neil Squire is a class onto its own. Not only did they teach computer programs, but they offered wellness training from positive mindfulness to conflict resolution. Not only did Neil Squire equip me with the training on computers, but made me an even more positive person. I was confident before, but with little presentations on our disabilities and learning how to embrace them, I feel I am even more positive and outgoing than before.

One thing I really enjoyed about this program is the professionalism and belief in the clients. The level of professionalism is outstanding. One time comes to mind. There was a staff member that was finishing up their summer internship and a celebration happened. Everyone that was in the building was welcome to partake. Most corporations would only have something for staff and not the clients. It made you feel welcome and a part of a family. When the staff say they get it, they truly mean they get it. Many of them live with disabilities of their own and understand the barriers that come along with having a disability. 

As an already confident blind person who embraces his disability, having a network of people that support you, believe in your capabilities, and walk beside you but don’t pity you, made me believe in myself more.

Through this course, networking and elevator pitches were mentioned, something I struggle with. I’m always looking to adapt myself and network. Having gone through the Digital Jumpstart program and being the recipient of a laptop, it has allowed me to be able to update my resume, print off hard copies of resumes and cover letters along with business cards, etc. I am now able to upload documents to social media sites to get my name out there as well. Furthermore, adaptive technology that I used when attending classes was my Brailiant BI 40 (braille display) and JAWS—a screen reader. I also used a noise canceling headset with mic, and a sit/stand desk for ergonomics.

My hard work in the program paid off and I was offered casual employment as a JAWS Trainer for Neil Squire. My responsibilities include designing training material and training clients on the use of JAWS. I want to thank the staff and volunteers at Neil Squire for everything that they do. Without the support they’ve given me, I wouldn’t be where I am. Thanks for everything.”

This project is funded by the government of Canada’s
Adult Learning Literacy and Essential Skills Program