Gerry’s Story – Vocation Employment Program Made A World Of Difference (SOSBIS)

Gerry had a career as a Maintenance and repair technician before his brain injury. He was a natural leader who was able to read and interpret blueprints and all aspects of maintenance and yard care and had a successful business of his own.

After his brain injury in 2015 he found the self-employment to be very difficult. He found the symptoms like fatigue and memory issues were taking over his abilities. With support, he is learning to cope with his fatigue which is exhibited by reduced processing time and trouble problem solving, storing and retrieving information.

He is learning how important it is to listen to his body if he is really tired in the afternoon. Allowing himself more time to recover each time the fatigue becomes overwhelming. Planning and pacing is a key component in preventing fatigue from happening.

We asked Gerry to talk a bit about himself and the Vocation Employment Program that the Brain Injury Alliance funds.

How does your brain injury affect your brain injury?
In the last 1.5 years I have had several epileptic seizures that resulted in a brain injury with symptoms including memory loss and fatigue.

How did the brain injury change your life?
It changed every aspect of my life. I had my own business as a maintenance worker, fixing all kind of things in and around people’s houses. Since my brain injury I have memory problems; remembering things and executing tasks takes me much longer. Whereas before I was able to do things automatically, I now have to think about each step that needs to be done. It has really affected my self-confidence.

Can you tell us a little bit more about the brain injury employment program that you are involved in?
My case manager told me about the employment program as an opportunity to get back into the work process. I was very excited about it and I recently started painting some suites. In one way it feels like starting all over again, but when I am painting I experience that I am still able to do the work. And, because there is no pressure or stress I have time to bring back my skills and qualities.

How does the program benefit you?
Despite my brain injury, I still want to be the same person as I was before, and being able to work again helps me to draw back that old Gerry. I experience that my mood has improved since, and it helps building my self-worth and gaining back the confidence that one day I will have my own maintenance business again.