On Thursday, September 10th I volunteered to attend an event Recognizing Professional Excellence in the Re/integration of Persons with Disabilities. There were many inspiring keynote speakers and activists dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers with disabilities.
It is important that we take action for workers like Wolfgang Zimmermann, someone who at only 20 years old was instructed to cut down trees using a chainsaw on his first day on the job with absolutely no training. A tree fell on him and broke his back, leaving him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Unfortunately he was not offered accommodation or retraining for a different position. Instead he was left fighting a system that provided no support for workers with disabilities. Wolfgang is one of the founders of Pacific Coast University, and his passion for increasing awareness about the return to work and disability management programs offered at this institute is truly awe-inspiring.
The evening promoted return to work efforts for individuals who have acquired a disabling impairment, promoted the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and recognized individuals who have achieved an internationally recognized professional competency standard in Return to Work and Disability Management.
Of specific interest was Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Science and the specialized training programs they offer for Return to Work and Disability Management. As a partner with the United Nations accredited International Social Security Association (ISSA), Pacific Coast offers a superior educational experience and innovative curriculum designed with guidance from the internationally renowned National Institute for Disability Management and Research.
Research shows the most successful return to work programs employ practitioners with specialized education. With increasing economic and social realities facing employers and workers continuing to “shine the light” on workplace health issues, the global demand by organizations for professional support is growing. I believe that Unifor and our current campaign (Shine the Light- See the ability not the disABILITY) can have a significantly positive impact on promoting such education and training through numerous potential avenues.
Having return to work specialists available to properly reintegrate technicians that have been affected by an illness, injury or other disability is critical. 1 in 3 people will suffer some degree of a disability over the span of their working lives. Having a professional looking out for their rights and fighting for fair accommodation with adequate training will ensure that the BTS workforce is productive and all individuals are contributing to the everyday successes of the business. I plan to approach BTS to discuss the possibility of their participation in training or hiring a trained professional to implement return to work programs and adequate disability management.
Sam Snyders
President, Local 1996-O
416 Health and Safety Co-Chair
Unifor Chairperson Workers with Disabilities
LRC Committee and JSDC Committee
Ont. Bargaining Rep
Telecommunications Industry Council Representative
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