June 16, 2000 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia is exploring an opportunity to deliver a unique program in Disability Management. New degree programs generally take more than year to develop. The Provincial Government has committed $45,000 towards the development costs and the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) is providing support for the development of core course materials.

"This initiative taken by UNBC will help the institution respond more effectively to the needs of northern workers," said Advanced Education, Training and Technology Minister Graeme Bowbrick. "My ministry is pleased to have played a role in funding the development of this program."

The proposed program would provide students with the education and training necessary to assist disabled and displaced workers in returning to the workforce. It's expected that future graduates of the program would work with labour, management, insurance providers, and employees to develop successful "back to work" strategies. The program would be particularly relevant to northern BC, with its large numbers of workers in primary industries. The program would also be interdisciplinary, drawing on the expertise of faculty in such diverse programs as Community Health, Psychology, Social Work, Economics, etc.

"Planning what may become a unique disability management program in North America represents a tremendous step forward for employers and disabled workers alike," says Wolfgang Zimmerman, NIDMAR Executive Director. "We hope that over time, the leadership by UNBC in the planning of this initiative will lead to much improved outcomes for disabled workers and employers alike."

At all universities, a number of steps need to be followed before ideas become degree programs to ensure academic quality and applicability to the workplace. At UNBC, the Disability Management program proposal will first be reviewed/revised by faculty and then be submitted to various bodies for approval:

· The UNBC Senate and Senate committees
· The Provincial Government and its Degree Program Review Committee
· The UNBC Board of Governors

If approved, a UNBC program in Disability Management would not accept its first students before September 2001.