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
2022
Appointment of Kara Arnold, PhD as Chief Academic Officer
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.
To read the full article, please click on the link to the newsletter below.
Support for Canadian Residents for DM / RTW Continuing Education
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
Bachelor of Disability Management degree graduates honoured at global virtual convocation ceremony
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.
In Canada, the degree recipients are now at the vanguard helping address some of society’s most complicated challenges related to accessibility and inclusion for people with physical and mental health impairments. Timing is optimal given that Under the Accessible Canada Act, the federal government is finalizing the framework to create a barrier-free Canada by 2040, including in the area of employment. Six provinces ―so far ―have also introduced Accessibility legislation.
To read the comments made by various speakers, please click on the link below to view the newsletter.
PCU-WHS Newsletter Vol 9 Issue 36 October 2022 BDM Degree Graduates Honoured
The virtual Convocation Ceremony was recorded and can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
Welcoming our Member of Parliament, Gord Johns!
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/
Building a Culture of Accommodation Inclusion and Equity for Disabled Workers
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.
Continuing Education Available for BC Residents
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
Scholarship Opportunities for BC Residents- Application Deadline Extended to July 15
This Scholarship opportunity is for BC Residents to enroll in the Bachelor of Disability Management (BDM) degree program. Applicants must have completed a 2-year diploma or other relevant educational prerequisites which provide 60 credits in a range of disciplines. Deadline for applications is July 15, 2022. For details please visit the following webpage: Scholarship Opportunities for BC Residents through WDA Grant
Appointment of Tyler Amell, PhD, as Registrar
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