“I’m glad that I have a plan – that’s already an achievement.”
— Liubov Moisieieva
MODC Tech for Impact Fund recipient
For Liubov Moisieieva, the laptop she received through March of Dimes Canada’s (MODC) Tech for Impact Fund is much more than a personal computer. It’s a powerful tool that will help her train for a new career and regain her independence.
Living with a disability is a new experience for Liubov. When she immigrated from Ukraine with her two children eight years ago, she embarked on a career as an insurance broker. When the recent pandemic began, she started working from home, spending many hours on the phone each day advising her clients.
Then the unexpected happened. After contracting COVID-19, she developed a condition called dysphonia and lost her voice. When she asked her manager if she could transfer to a position that didn’t require her to use the phone, she wasn’t offered another role – and her employment ended abruptly.
“In one moment, I lost everything,” says Liubov.
She needed to reinvent herself so she contacted WorkBC* for support. During weekly meetings, she learned that her digital skills would be well-suited to a new tech career as a User Experience (UX) designer or a quality assurance analyst.
Liubov’s employment specialist helped her find a tuition-free program where she can complete a Google UX Design certificate program. Since Liubov didn’t have a computer – and couldn’t afford to purchase one – she was encouraged to apply for a laptop through March of Dimes Canada’s Tech for Impact Fund, a fund that helps Canadians who don’t have the financial means to acquire the technology they need.
“My employment specialist is amazing! She helped me so much and I’m very grateful,” says Liubov.
Liubov is now able to speak for short periods of time, but it’s very painful. Bernice Lee, one of MODC’s assistive technology specialists, will teach her to use text-to-speech applications so she can use her laptop and cell phone to communicate effectively.
Today, Liubov is receiving disability benefits, which is allowing her to prioritize her health and her family. She’s helping her parents and nephew – who recently arrived from Ukraine – adjust to life in Canada and working hard to help her sister escape from the war. Her laptop is a big help as she completes countless applications and other immigration-related documents.
When her family is settled, Liubov looks forward to completing her UX Design certificate and using her education, skills and experience in a rewarding new field.
“I can be a professional again. I have my laptop. I know what my next job will be. I know what the income is and it’s enough for me to survive. I’m glad that I have a plan – that’s already an achievement,” she says.
* March of Dimes Canada is subcontracted to provide disability employment services for WorkBC, a provincial government program.
