Tri Report

Introduction
Neil Squire Society is a non-profit organization that specializes in accommodations and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Neil Squire works with people with disabilities to help them overcome some of their physical/mental barriers through the use of assistive technology (in the form of physical items, 3D printed items, software’s, and other pieces of tech). Neil Squire also assists people with disabilities with getting jobs, by working with clients to overcome their perceived barriers to entering the workforce. Additionally, Neil Squire runs a computer comfort program that teaches people with disabilities basic to intermediate computer literacy and skills, so they are better equipped to enter the workforce, or to simply improve their computer skills., they also expand all around Canada and serve clients from Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Neil Squire’s vision is to promote economic and social inclusiveness for all people with disabilities and works towards that vision by offering these extremely beneficial and impactful services.
Activity Report and Reaction Statement
Although it has been less than two full weeks since I have started my fieldwork, I have already been exposed to many of the practices and services offered at Neil Squire. Every morning, we start the day off with a zoom meeting where we discuss what we did the day prior, what we have planned for the current day, and any roadblocks we may have. These zoom meetings were a little bit intimidating for me at first, but now I find them extremely beneficial because they help me mentally structure out my day by sharing my plans with the rest of the team. At the beginning of my term, I was given a small orientation on what my role will look like, a quick walk around the office, and a break down of the Assistive Technology Assessment forms we use (EmployAbility and WTEEE (Working Together with Employers and Enhancing Employment program)). These forms are important for me to know as my main role is to assist the Assistive Tech. Specialist, and these forms must be filled out for every client we accept into the assistive technology program. To get a grip of how to fill them out and what information is most necessary, I went through past clients’ forms and my supervisor explained to me more of the specifics. This was crucial because it gave me an idea as to what the AT assessments entail and how to properly fill out the forms. I was also given a run down on our distant computer comfort program, regarding what it entails (computer literacy course), our client goals, and more. Towards the end of my first week, I got to shadow my supervisor and actively take notes while she did two assistive technology assessments over the phone. The AT assessments are the first appointment held with all of our clients and we discuss with them their barriers, vocational goals, certain needs and wants they have, etc. The AT assessment is the first step in formulating a plan for the client and determining what the best course of action would be going forward to help them achieve their goals. Following those assessments, I was tasked with researching possible assistive technologies we can provide for each client, given their perceived barriers. I worked with the information provided during the AT assessment and explored many options we can present to the clients, and received positive feedback from my supervisor. These AT assessments were of huge value because it taught me how to talk to clients, which questions were most important to ask, and determining the best course of action depending on the clients needs. A lot of the kinesiology courses I took prepared me for this type of work as we are trained to formulate training programs/treatment programs for people in many different types of classes with many different types of needs. As a result, I found that doing this research and figuring out adequate solutions was something I had no problem with. I look forward to eventually doing a full AT assessment on my own as that is one of my learning objectives. I also gained some experience with setting up client meetings for future AT assessments, by contacting them through email to confirm a suitable date and time for us to complete their assessment. The next duty I was tasked with was to fill out WTEEE forms for 8 clients. I was given client information regarding their goals, perceived barriers, etc. and put all that information into a “WTEEE” document which required me to fill out client information, make AT recommendations, and have all their information in one condensed document ready to be submitted. The reason why all this information has to be placed in the WTEEE document is because Neil Squire has to have formal reports on every client, for government funding approval and tracking purposes. This emphasized the importance of organization and structure to me, and how vital it is for everything to be accounted for, not only for foundations like this, but in all walks of life. Furthermore, I also attended the first day of the ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference, which is an international conference that spans over 4 days and explores all the latest developments in AT, new/improved ways of approaching client relations, and much more information that will be very beneficial for my fieldwork term going forward. All in all, the first two weeks of my fieldwork have consisted of a lot of learning, client relations work and administrative duties. I am learning a lot about the importance of team work, how to deal with clients, writing up professional reports, and about working at a non profit in general. Being as it’s only been less than two weeks so far, I know I will continue to learn much more from this experience and expand my working skills. Please rewrite and paraphrase (not get caught on Turnitin)

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