2022

Annual observance of this day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992 to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. The theme for the 2022 global observance is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”, and covers three topics:
– Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment
– Innovation for disability inclusive developing in reducing inequality
– Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case

We are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Kara Arnold, PhD, as PCU-WHS’s Chief Academic Officer. In this consulting role, Kara will provide invaluable support to educational delivery and development aspects, including the academic and continuing education components of PCU-WHS.

This special initiative for Canadian Residents is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program and provides a limited number of free Continuing Education courses in Disability Management and Return to Work. For further details on this Continuing Education opportunity, please visit: Support for Canadian Residents for DM / RTW Continuing Education 

On October 19, Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS) welcomed its 2022 class of graduates, 10 new recipients who have earned a Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) degree.

PCU-WHS― a leading edge University in education and research for excellence in the field of disability management and return to work ― held an online convocation ceremony with faculty, government officials, and graduates from various time zones, ranging from North America to Europe, Africa and Australia.

PCU-WHS Newsletter Vol 9 Issue 36 October 2022 BDM Degree Graduates Honoured

Welcoming our Member of Parliament, Gord Johns.

With significant national attention focused on the ongoing developments regarding a Canada Disability Benefit and the recently released Canada Disability Inclusion Action Plan, MP Gord Johns wanted to learn more about current challenges facing persons with disabilities and potential positive opportunities.

Following the weekend Global News article (see link below), discussions centered on the fact that highly inequitable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities are a major contributor. We need to break the vicious disability – poverty – unemployment cycle.

More than 80% of mental and physical health impairments occur during a person’s working life, so maintaining workplace attachment through effective Disability Management programs is key towards “Building a Culture of Accommodation,” reducing disability stigma, and is required to build a Disability Inclusion society.

https://globalnews.ca/news/9176485/poverty-canadians-disabilities-medically-assisted-death/

The Accessible Canada Act, introduced in 2018 and which received Royal Assent and came into force in July 2019, is “An Act to ensure a barrier-free Canada.”

The definition of “Barrier” in the Act “means anything – including anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice – that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.”

The National Executive Steering Committee for the special initiative that NIDMAR is currently undertaking requested a Fact Sheet that sets out the current situation in Canada today.

Funding for the initiative is provided under the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program, and covers support through education, professionalization, and program assessments – all related to Disability Management and Return to Work.

Free access to Continuing Education courses in Disability Management and Return to Work for BC Residents. For details and to download an application form, please visit: BC Workplaces Supported with DM and RTW Continuing Education

Wolfgang Zimmermann, President of PCU-WHS, is pleased to welcome Tyler Amell, PhD, to the position of Registrar. As a long-time professor and supporter of PCU-WHS, Dr. Amell accepted the role stating, “It was an opportunity to contribute to the University’s greater success and it was appealing to me to join with Wolfgang and the top leadership now in place.” Please click on the link below to view the newsletter announcement.

PCU-WHS Newsletter Vol 9 Issue 35 July 2022 Appointment of Tyler Amell, PhD, as Registrar