Disability Management and Rehab Committee (DMRC) Report – CCFA rep (local 12)

Submitted by Brent Wasserman

On October 4^th and 5^th I had the opportunity to travel to Burnaby to engage with folks from across the province at the Federation of Post Secondary Educator’s (FPSE) Fall Standing Committee summit.  The meeting was called to order and we all participated in a territorial acknowledgement, as a way of also introducing ourselves to the group.  As we moved on from Old Business to New, our Chair (Anna A.) gave her report, which highlighted our new Collaboration Site.  This is a new online tool for committee members to share reports, provide confidential advice and support for each other and distribute relevant resources to each of us in a timely and efficient manner. 

Each committee member reports feeling relatively taxed in supporting their members with return to work plans. Supporting our members in their return to work planning is multifaceted, complicated by Manulife policy, Institutional inflexibility and the unique needs of each person hoping to return to their work in a process that feels safe, fair, and supportive.   At Camosun our local DMRC committee meets at least twice a month, and I participate in each meeting with our member when a return to work plan is reviewed.  However, communication is critical. 

If you have specific concerns about your return to work process, how you may have been treated by Manulife or the College, or especially, if you were not fully informed of the supports the CCFA can offer to you in a timely manner please do reach out to me directly.   I am most happy to meet in person, virtually or by phone to confidentially discuss your unique circumstances.

Make sure you know your rights when seeking an accommodation, check our our post on applying for medical accommodations!

Be sure to contact us if you have been denied or told it isn’t possible.

Brent Wassermann
ac.nusomac@bnnamressaw or call 250-370-3739

Instructor – Centre for Accessible Learning, Camosun College Faculty Association, Federation of Post-Secondary Educators – Local 12, Disabilities Management & Rehabilitations Committee (DMRC) Representative

Brent has been living on the unceded and traditional territories of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples since 2004. He is a proud member of the CCFA, and have been a part of the Camosun community for over 15 years. I currently work with the Centre for Accessible Learning. I love meeting students and hearing their stories, and truly appreciate the opportunity to offer guidance and advice for Camosun student. I hail from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I love cycling, travelling (favourite place maybe – the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona), follow sports (go Oilers!) and share silly moments with friends and family near and far.

Brent Wassermann

Instructor – Centre for Accessible Learning

ac.nusomac@bnnamressaw

250-370-3739