News – 2016

IFDM 2016 - The first time the IFDM is being held in Asia, IFDM 2016 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 22-24, 2016. For more details on the conference or to register and download brochures, please visit the website: IFDM 2016

In June 2008, the Disability Management Excellence (DMEx) initiative was launched as a joint endeavour between the British Columbia Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance and the National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR). The initiative was defined through its objectives: "Restoring lives – Reducing costs", and involved the application of a NIDMAR developed and globally adopted return to work / disability management program assessment protocol, administered through the International Disability Management Standards Council (IDMSC). Supported through employer and worker organizations in British Columbia, the launch of the DMEx project saw the participation of a broad cross-section of British Columbia employers.

Led by a joint project steering team, a Disability Management Action Research process was undertaken following one organization starting with the initial program assessment through to RTW/DM re-design. The socio-economic outcomes from this highly collaborative process have been most significant and the full report chronicling this major effort is now available. To access further details and a copy of this report, DM and Organizational Change: The DMAR Project, please click on the following link:

Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, the world's first and only degree-granting institution dedicated to all aspects of Workplace Health Sciences, welcomes internationally-renowned scholar and academic leader Lynn Shaw as its inaugural Vice President Academic and Dean.

John Slinger, Chief Operating Officer of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and NIDMAR Board Member, Judy Geary, signed a Memorandum of Agreement which provides employers across Ontario with access to the DMSA via a link on the WSIB's website.

The Board of Governors of PCU-WHS are pleased to announce that Western Forest Products has provided a significant contribution enabling the University to commence development work on additional degrees.

Sun Life Financial entered into an agreement with NIDMAR, effective in December 2014, that allows this major international financial services organization to administer the Disability Management Self Assessment (DMSA) on behalf of its Canadian base of clients and plan sponsors.

The United Steelworkers presented Wolfgang Zimmermann, President of PCU-WHS and Executive Director of NIDMAR, with the J. William Lloyd Award. This award is given to an individual or organization from outside the union for outstanding contributions to health, safety or environment. The following is a link to the video acceptance of this award: Wolfgang Zimmermann receives USW award

Date of Certification Examinations Set for May 27, 2015: The CDMP and CRTWC professional certification examinations will be held at various locations across Canada and internationally on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. For further details, please refer to the Certification pages of this website or contact NIDMAR.

Three individuals who achieved the CDMP and CRTWC designations illustrate the wide range of professional who decided to enhance their career profile with internationally recognized professional designations.

The designations of Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) and Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP), administered under the auspices of the International Disability Management Standards Council (IDMSC), are increasingly becoming the accepted professional standard for disability management practice worldwide.

Three individuals who achieved the CDMP professional certification in 2014 illustrate how there's never a bad time to add the CDMP designation to one's resume.

Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences announces new credit courses commencing April 2015.

In July 2011, the Social Security Organization of Malaysia (SOCSO/PERKESO) signed an agreement with the International Disability Management Standards Council (IDMSC) for use of its curriculum and professional certification standards. This agreement was part of Malaysia's national commitment towards improved rehabilitation and return to work outcomes, which takes another leap forward with the official opening of the PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre. It is also in the context of this national rehabilitation effort that SOCSO/PERKESO will be hosting IFDM 2016 in Kuala Lumpur. The IDMSC Communique can be downloaded at the following link: