How Assistive Technology Helped Andrew Stay in a Job He Loves: A Workplace Inclusion Success Story

Amalee

Jan 14, 2026 • 3 min read

At Engage, a North West London charity, Service Manager Andrew plays a vital role across four projects - leading weekly meetings, delivering training across the country, and supporting teams through his expertise and passion.

But despite his love for the work, Andrew, who is profoundly deaf and uses both a hearing aid and a cochlear implant, began facing mounting challenges that left him feeling exhausted and frustrated.

The Challenge: Keeping Up in Noisy, Fast-Paced Environments

Andrew's role requires clear communication in various settings - from crowded meetings to busy training rooms. But background noise and poor laptop sound quality made lipreading difficult, and following conversations was an ongoing struggle.

"I love delivering the training, but I started to dread it as it became so challenging, requiring intense concentration that left me with headaches."

Even with his hearing technology, Andrew was missing vital parts of conversations, particularly when people spoke without facing him. Concentrating so hard to keep up often left him drained, with severe headaches and little energy left at the end of the day.

Andrew knew he needed a solution that would:

Stream audio directly to his cochlear implant
Support him to run training more effectively without the stress
Improve accessibility in meetings and collaborative environments

The Solution: Phonak Roger Technology & Expert Training

Through Access to Work, Andrew was introduced to Connevans' workplace inclusion solutions.

Andrew received our hands-on training for using the Phonak Roger On wireless microphone, alongside Roger Clip-On mics.

"It was fantastic, the trainer was clear, direct in what she could offer, and exceptionally good at teasing out different ways the equipment could be used that I hadn't known or thought about."

The process from quote to training was smooth and supportive, giving Andrew confidence that the solutions would truly fit his needs.

The Result: Confidence, Inclusion, and Energy Restored

The impact was immediately transformative:

"Immeasurable difference. I use the Roger On on a daily basis. The quality of the microphone is fantastic and the way it connects to my CI is so easy. I love the fact it's simple to use and operate, so I'm not holding the meeting up by arranging my access needs. The clip-on microphones have been revolutionary - I can now hear every aside, comment and punchline so I feel properly included."

For Andrew, the new equipment not only improved his access to communication, but also shifted how others interacted with him. The microphones acted as a visible reminder of his hearing needs, helping colleagues adapt and include him more.

The results have been lifechanging for Andrew:

Greater inclusion: Andrew can now follow all parts of a conversation, rather than missing vital contributions.
More confidence: Andrew now has the energy and focus to actively contribute, instead of being consumed by the effort of listening.
Positive perception: Colleagues have noticed he appears more relaxed and laid-back in meetings.
Job retention: Most importantly, the right support has kept Andrew in a role he loves.

"I was definitely considering quitting and getting a low-paid, low-enjoyment job as I was worried I couldn't be useful anymore. The training, equipment and support have absolutely kept me in my job and feeling like a useful contributor to society."

Workplace Inclusion Matters

Technology like the Roger On and clip-on mics play an important role in accessibility, but workplace inclusion goes beyond devices. Employers have a responsibility to make sure deaf and hard of hearing staff can access meetings and contribute fully. The good news is, it doesn’t have to cost your business money - the Access to Work scheme provides funding for assistive technology and support.

Employees can direct their employers to our Inclusion in the Workplace page to learn more, request a quote, or download our full guide to workplace inclusion.