Accommodation and Human Rights Management

Post-Secondary Programs, Continuing Education
Credential Earned: Graduate Certificate
Campus: Distance
Program Length: 2 Semesters

Program Code: B314

This program has been approved for OSAP funding starting September 2024.

Thanks to Northern’s one-year Accommodation & Human Rights Management certificate, you’ll be prepared to create a workplace that puts employee health and wellness first.

You’ll develop and hone your leadership, advocacy, mediation, dispute resolution and change management skills. You’ll study legal framework behind equity, human rights and health and safety standards.

Inspired by Indigenous techniques – you’ll develop a holistic approach to everything from mental health and disability management, to return-to-work policies and workplace redesign.

It’s the ideal springboard for further studies, or a career within a non-profit, First Nations or other government organization. And, it all wraps up with either a working-world placement or a compelling case study of your own.

Career Opportunities

Advocacy, Alternate Dispute Resolution, Critical thinking and Change Management skills in particular, are areas identified as being in strong demand. Graduates will have a unique opportunity to blend their background with the leadership and management outcomes AHRM. Upon graduation, student may find themselves working in one of these fields with Federal, Provincial, Local, Regional, First Nations, or Non-Profit organizations:

  • Accommodation Specialist
  • Manager of Employment Programs
  • Accommodation Equipment Consultant
  • Return to Work Advisor
  • Disability Management Advisor
  • Health/HR Policy Coordinator
  • Client Placement Coordinator

Course Information

Course descriptions can be found below.

Please note, course information is based on our current offering and is subject to change. Current students can find more information on courses in their student account.

If you have questions or require program information for previous academic years, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Semester 1

In this course students learn the history of the Ontario and Canada Human Rights Codes, and study in-depth the legal principles and practices related to discrimination in employment. Legislation and regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (including Bill 168), Employment Standards Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and their effect on disability management are explored through a review of case law. Students examine prohibited grounds of discrimination regarding employment and the employer’s obligation to accommodate in the absence of undue hardship.

In this course, students will explore the nature and importance of Human Resources Management, and study theories and practices related to Human Resources Management. Students will examine in detail the constraints and facilitators for Human Resources decisions, planning, employee development and maintenance, current employment legislation, Pay and Employment Equity, and diversity management. Survey topics include introductions to Job Analysis, Recruitment and Staffing, Compensation Management, Labour Relations, and Occupational Health and Safety.

In this course students learn disability management theory, principles and practice. Students analyze key components of a disability program, the economic, social and psychological benefits of a program and the strategic planning approaches to a program. Learning includes: best practices, roles and functions of professionals in disability management, community agencies and services provided, organizational costs and mitigation strategies and identifying barriers and best practices solutions.

In this course students learn the application of the medical, physical, and functional capacity evaluations required in management disability. Students explore the cultural issues related to injury, disability and work, review recent trends in disability, undertake work and home environmental analysis, and explore how to promote employee health and wellness. Students learn about spiritual practices and approaches to dispute resolution and Indigenous traditions. Students learn ways in which to adapt the dispute resolution process to respect Indigenous practices and build trusting relationships in the workplace.

In this course, students learn about mental health support and accommodation strategies as well as best practices as they relate to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy and Guidelines on Disability and the Duty to Accommodate, WSIB’s Responsibilities of the Workplace Parties in Work Reintegration, Psychological Health and Safety Standards and Universal Instructional Design.

Semester 2

In this course student learn about WSIB’s policies related to Chronic Mental Stress and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder in First Responders and other Designated Workers. Students complete a certificate in Mental Health First Aid and utilize the Conversations That Matter resources for disability management.

In this course students explore the trends in disability accommodation. Students examine prohibited grounds of discrimination regarding employment and the employer’s obligation to accommodate in the absence of undue hardship. Students focus on the specific sections of the Human Rights Act related to accommodation of disabilities and employer’s obligation for Return to Work. Students consider strategies to deal with discrimination and harassment in the workplace and discuss the employer’s responsibilities to ensure a harassment-free workplace.

In this course students learn about the return to work process and case management, including the roles and functions of multidisciplinary health care providers in case management. Students consider all aspects of early and safe return to work strategies for injured workers as well as new worker integration in the workplace through workplace accommodation. Systemic barriers to employment, job modification, accommodation, work place redesign and assistive technology best practices are discussed. Students explore the future of accommodation and accessibility and the medical and social models of disability management.

In this course students learn to establish rapport with various stateholders, understand and use interview strategies and techniques, and understand group dynamics. Students examine a variety of approaches to advocacy, analyze the techniques and the ethical, professional responsibilities of advocacy and representation. Students explore self-evaluation and team building as well as techniques and strategies for having difficult conversation and advocating for positive change on behalf of individuals and communities including Indigenous perspectives. Students investigate cross cultural considerations in disability management with respect to Indigenous and culturally diverse employees and the internationalization of the workplace. Students learn their role as a leader and advocate in an organization.

In this course students learn to do disability management. Through case studies and exploring best practices students develop an understanding of effective return to work processes and policy driven disability programs. Students conduct return to work programs using the various Acts and Regulations; in unionized and non-union environments. Students familiarize themselves with online resources, community resources and certifications related to disability management.

This course consolidates students’ learning with valuable hands-on experience to help develop them into well-prepared and well-rounded graduates.

Admissions Information & Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario College Diploma
  • Ontario College Advanced Diploma
  • Degree or Equivalent
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