Workplace disability management programme a first for NZ

Otago Polytechnic is about to become the first NZ-based institution to offer a specialised training and professional certification programme in workplace disability management, designed to plan for better management of valuable ‘people resources.’

The on-line Disability Management in the Workplace programme prepares professionals to facilitate a successful return to work for those living with a disability either through illness or injury.

It includes disability management theory and practice, the NZ service delivery environment and interpersonal skills for those involved in the return-to-work process.

Workers with a disability may face significant social, psychological and financial challenges. Graduates of the programme will have the necessary skills to promote these workers returning to normal employment, and assist employers who seek to retain trained, experienced and committed staff.

Otago Polytechnic will offer the on-line programme on a national scale drawing on resources from their internationally-respected School of Occupational Therapy.

“This programme is endorsed by the International Disability Management Standards Council (IDMSC™)­ as meeting best practice for workplace rehabilitation,” explains Jackie Herkt, head of the School of Occupational Therapy at Otago Polytechnic.

“It complements our current programmes and we are delighted to have been granted the exclusive contract to offer the programme in NZ.

“It has been internationally proven that co-ordinated return-to-work programmes improve outcomes for both organisations and their employees and the introduction of this programme can only benefit NZ’s businesses and workers.”

The Canadian-developed programme has been adopted by 13 countries around the world including England, Ireland, Australia and Germany.