BCNU Acknowledges International Day of Persons with Disabilities

November 21, 2024

Union encourages members to propose actions for making their workplaces more accessible

Dec. 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day is dedicated to raising awareness and increasing understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities everywhere. It is also an opportunity for BCNU to reaffirm its commitment to advancing an accessible, inclusive health-care system that respects everyone in it.

Nurses play a vital role in shaping equitable health outcomes for all British Columbians, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. The union encourages all members to reflect on the values of inclusion and respect in their professional practice and interpersonal interactions.

Health-care workers with disabilities, including nurses, face unique challenges and BCNU is committed to addressing these through advocacy, education and member engagement. The union actively collaborates with employers, policymakers, and other organizations to promote accessibility and inclusivity, and to accommodate persons based on their individual needs. This work is essential for creating an equitable workplace and integral to delivering high quality patient care.

To mark Dec. 3, BCNU’s Workers with Disabilities Caucus invites members to share suggestions on how to enhance accessibility at their worksites. Those who submit a completed form will be entered in a random draw to win one of three gift baskets. Visit the BCNU Member Portal to share your ideas until Dec. 9, 2024.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities was established to promote the well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society, advance their right to face no barriers in their lives and participate fully, equally and effectively and in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Student Nurse with Disability Bursary Winners Announced

In honour of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, BCNU is pleased to announce the recipients of the Student Nurse with Disability Bursary.

The bursary, established this year as an initiative of BCNU Workers with Disabilities Caucus, reflects the unions’ commitment to advancing accessibility, and the equitable inclusion of nursing students with disabilities in the early stages of their career.

The bursary is open to student nurse members who identify as a person with disabilities.

Congratulations to all recipients

Central Vancouver - Maryum B.
East Kootenay - Caileigh H.
Fraser Valley - Kourtney H.
North East - Brenn S.
North West - Melody S.
Okanagan Similkameen - Amelia S.
Pacific Rim - Jessica S.
Shaughnessy Heights - Tsz Kwan W.
Simon Fraser - Miranda P.
South Fraser Valley - Jade M.
South Fraser Valley - Melvin T.
South Islands - Elianna G.
South Islands - Sophie W.
Thompson North Okanagan - Nola D.
Vancouver Metro - Harkiran H.
West Kootenay - Andre S.

Thank you to all those who applied and a reminder that bursary applications will open again in January.