VISION

The International Forum on Disability Management (IFDM) started with a vision: to gather representatives of stakeholders in Disability Management and Return to Work from all over the world in order to assemble global perspectives on consensus-based best practices, cutting edge research, and successful Disability Management and Return to Work policies, programs, and practices.

Since 2002, on a biennial basis, IFDM world forums have offered global leadership, cutting edge solutions and evidence-based research findings for key government, business and labour leaders, as well as representatives from the Disability Management and Return to Work provider communities.

As we recognize the critical importance of an integrated workplace health approach, with significant increases in individuals suffering mental health impairments in addition to those dealing with physical health impairments, early intervention and effective occupational rehabilitation are the most effective and sustainable approaches in maintaining gainful employment while avoiding potential poverty, addiction challenges, or worse.

At the core of achieving these durable outcomes for individuals who acquire a mental or physical health impairment are Disability Management Professionals who, through a rigorous and demanding examination process, meeting international ISO standards, have been able to achieve the coveted Gold Standard in Disability Management professionalization of either the Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Return to Work Coordinator (CRTWC) designation.

With the rapidly growing number of CDMPs and CRTWCs around the world, at this point well over 4,000 in more than 22 countries, there is an ever increasing global acceptance of these valuable designations, which are now statutorily regulated in several jurisdictions. Additionally, against the backdrop of understanding that after 1 year of disability- related absence, individuals have on average, a 1% chance or less, of ever working again, the IFDM is emerging as the global collaboration, education, and cutting edge research knowledge exchange platform in support of the global Disability Management Professional community maintaining its Innovation, Thought-Leadership and Best Practice vision.