The Reducing Poverty Initiative is focused on reaching out to any individual or employer seeking Return to Work and accommodation solutions.
Individuals with little or no other organizational support and no workers compensation, ICBC, or long-term disability support, will find employment support resources through this Initiative.
Employers that do not have access to expertise in order to create accommodation solutions for their impacted employees will find a valuable resource for practical policy and program solutions.
The Reducing Poverty Initiative is currently being implemented in the Province of BC with support from the Governments of Canada and British Columbia. It is designed to provide valuable resources and solutions for immediate direct disability case management for individuals and potentially longer term structural recommendations for employers.
Individuals and employers supported through this initiative can expect compassionate and professional assistance in identifying concrete options designed to successfully maintain employment for the disabled individual whenever possible.
This could include the provision of direct health care support such as occupational therapy or physiotherapy services, or other assistance such as ergonomic assistance, needed to maintain employment.
Individuals who are out of work due to injury, illness or disability need care and support on their journey back to work. Through early intervention and effective occupational rehabilitation, it is anticipated that individuals will be able to return to work through this initiative.
With more than 80% of all mental and physical health impairments occurring during an individual’s working life, successful workplace accommodations designed to maintain equitable participation through continued employment are key in successfully addressing the myriad of challenges often associated with long-term unemployment such as financial hardship, poverty, psychological and social distress.
The professionals who will be working with the disabled individuals and the employers have knowledge and expertise in the field as they have achieved the professional designation of Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP). Having achieved this professional designation means that they have met the internationally recognized Occupational Standards and successfully passed a rigorous 6-hour examination, which is built in accordance to a strictly defined ISO standard.
“An inclusive BC means all British Columbians receive employment support if needed
to find meaningful work. This funding supports employers in establishing and sustaining
workplaces that are barrier-free, thus ensuring all British Columbians can be part of our workforce.”
Susie Chant, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, Government of British Columbia