Success Stories

Leanne was referred to VIVRS through Canada Pension Plan Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Services. She had been told by her doctors that she would never work full-time again, due to Rapid Cycling Bi-Polar Disorder. For over ten years, she had attempted to go back to school, but had been unable to complete full or part time studies due to the unpredictability of her health. She embarked on vocational rehabilitation services with VIVRS with some trepidation, but was reassured by her counsellor’s encouragement and expertise.

Together, Leanne and her counsellor investigated her interests, and accessed the services of a neuropsychologist to determine Leanne’s abilities, learning style and areas of challenge. This information was very valuable in connecting Leanne to Disability Services once she began retraining.

Leanne discovered that her long-term interest in administration could be parlayed into a career, as long as she could update her skills through training. To ensure the best possible chance at success, Leanne’s counsellor at VIVRS ensured that medical, educational, counselling and community supports were available to assist Leanne in reaching her goals. Funding for training came from Canada Pension Plan Disability and Service Canada’s Opportunities fund.

Leanne attended post-secondary training and graduated with the highest marks in her class. Once qualified, she lined up a number of interviews for exciting, full-time positions. Leanne is immensely proud of herself for successfully completing her training. She recognizes the importance of her own commitment in getting her to this stage, but also credits VIVRS with providing the kind of support she needed in order to beat the odds and make her dreams come true.

OS is a young man with Down syndrome. He connected with VIVRS services through the EPBC program because he had limited exposure to employment.

In November 2014, OS started participating in Customized Employment at VIVRS. He participated in the Discovery assessment and his employment goals were discussed and explored. Through the process of Discovery It became evident how skilled OS was at playing the drums and operating machinery around his house despite limited vision. During the process he and his family discussed how his main goal was to work at Montana’s Restaurant as a dishwasher. OS repeated this desire many times.

VIVRS staff worked with Montana’s and arranged for him to do a work experience to gain some practical experience on site. He participated in this for a few weeks with onsite support and observation from the VIVRS Employment Specialist. OS was hired as a dishwasher because he enjoyed the work and demonstrated that he pays attention to detail. He was able to keep up with the pace of the restaurant. Negotiation began with VIVRS and Montana’s for them to hire OS for lunch shifts during busy times. OS is an asset to Montana’s and the staff reports how much they appreciate his work and overall demeanour.

 OS continues to receive onsite support from the VIVRS Employment Specialist.

MA is a young woman with cerebral palsy. She is in a wheelchair and she requires a Care Attendant. MA had limited exposure to employment. She has attended VIU, taking sociology and philosophy course and is currently taking the Applied Business Technology Program online through VIU.

In March 2014, MA started participating in Customized Employment at VIVRS. She participated in Discovery assessment and attended Job Club workshops. During the process, VIVRS arranged for her to volunteer at the Art Council to gain some practical experience in the admin support field. She participated in this for 4 months while she continued to access workshops at VIVRS such as effective communication and time management skills. Then, her Employment Specialist sought a job carve that would enable her to develop and utilize her training. A position was negotiated at the Nanaimo Art Council with the assistance of a wage subsidy through the Neil Squire Foundation. This is an Admin Support position which involves organizing files, developing a staff and volunteer manual, various types of data entry as well as social media responsibilities. Specific adjustments modifications and aids were required: her physical work space had to be adjusted to accommodate her wheelchair and her work dog. Support and teaching was required for communicating with her supervisor effectively. Neil Squire Society provided her with other aids such as head phones and a smaller key board. MA received job coaching that allowed her to succeed during her training period. Job retention services are in place and her job coach continues to meet with her once a week to ensure all is well. This has been an amazing opportunity for MA as she is developing the ability to be as independent as is possible. Her world has expanded and her network of acquaintances has increased; and she feels hopeful for a productive future.

I found VIVRS has helped me a lot, I have moved forward in my life because of VIVRS. They supported me through a whole process of finding work that would be good for me. They took the time to get to know me and help me find work that makes sense, and even continue to check to make sure it is the right fit.

The nice thing about working with VIVRS was they understood that I had specific needs, and they took the time to learn about what was going to work for me. I didn’t feel any pressure to hide my needs or pretend that somethings aren’t a barrier. VIVRS staff understood and worked with what my needs were.

Working with VIVRS was supportive and encouraging, they guide you through a process of getting and keeping that job. They help me with communicating with the manager when I need to, after a while they fade into the background and the job becomes mine, but I always know they are there to support me when I need it.

I now have a job that is good for me. I enjoy the work, the people, the employers are nice, and we are all treated well. This is a great place, and there is potential to grow and learn more.

I am happy I got to work with VIVRS, I was supported through the whole process. I have gained more confidence, self-esteem, and I am more independent. I am more willing to go out and try other new things because of the support I had through VIVRS.