Demand for disability management professionals is rising across Canada as employers respond to growing accommodation needs, mental health-related disability claims and an aging workforce.
91راة«â€™s has launched a new to prepare learners for careers in the field.
Designed for professionals working in human resources, health care, insurance, rehabilitation, occupational health and safety or related fields, the three-month, part-time program is delivered through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning. It includes three courses focused on the theory, applied knowledge and workplace skills needed to support employees through disability-related transitions.
The first cohort begins in Winter 2027.
"With an aging workforce and rising disability claims, particularly related to mental health, there is a high demand across the province of Ontario and Canada for disability management professionals to help employers reduce workplace absences and facilitate safe returns to work," says Francis Fung, program advisory committee member.
Disability management efforts, says Fung, must address issues beyond legal compliance and duty to accommodate and give more consideration to inclusive workplace practices.
“I am excited that the 91راة«â€™s School of Continuing Studies is launching a program that will prepare learners in recognizing disability as a human diversity and focus on a person-centred approach in disability management," he says.
The certificate covers functional interviewing, job-demand analysis, workplace accommodation, case co-ordination, professional documentation and communication for sensitive workplace conversations. Learners will also develop graduated return-to-work plans that balance employee needs with workplace and operational realities.
“Creating learning and working environments where everyone can participate and succeed is a core value of 91راة«â€™s School of Continuing Studies and mine,†says Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at 91راة«.
"By learning from industry professionals and engaging with real-world cases, students gain the knowledge and experience to help organizations create more inclusive workplaces and ensure people have the support they need to succeed."
Graduates will be prepared to pursue roles such as disability case manager, return-to-work co-ordinator, accommodation specialist, accessibility adviser and disability management consultant.
for the inaugural Winter 2027 cohort.