How to Build a Disability Management Program

Why build a disability management program?

Disability management is most successful when it promotes respect and cooperation among employees, unions and the employer. Designing and implementing a Disability Management Program makes good management sense.

Guiding principles of a disability management program are:

• Committed integration;
• Engaged employees;
• Proactive management;
• Effective communication; and
• Protection of privacy.

The seven steps to building a disability management program are:

1. obtaining commitment;
2. obtaining an assessment;
3. obtaining resources;
4. developing a framework;
5. building a collaborative team-based management;
6. building capacity through training and awareness; and
7. measuring results.

"The goal of the Government of Canada is to have a sustainable workforce that is renewable and affordable over time."

—People Component of the Management Accountability Framework, Outcome 11.3

• Prevention
• Support for recovery
• Accommodation
• Case management
• Remain-at-work plan
• Return-to-work plan