Making it WorkTM
A one-of-a-kind program designed to help people with arthritis remain employed.
The Problem
Arthritis is a serious disease that can strike at any age. The pain and fatigue that comes with it, often stands in the way of people performing their jobs. In fact, arthritis is the most common health reason why Canadians have to stop working.
Current Solution
Few health services address employment issues for people living with the 100+ types of arthritis – aside from vocational services. These programs aim to help individuals return to work after time out of the workforce. They have little success.
Making it WorkTM
Making it WorkTM focuses on early intervention, while people are still working in their chosen fields, to prevent work disability. It helps people deal with challenges encountered at work due to arthritis and adapt their work to their disease.
The Program
5 Online Learning Modules
Managing Arthritis
Managing Fatigue at Work
Managing Stress at Work
Communication Strategies
“The Making it WorkTM program forced me to take an in depth look at my arthritis: how it affects my energy levels, mental health and relationships with others. I have learned that it’s okay to not ‘push through’, and to prioritize self-care when I feel overwhelmed by a flare.”
Job Accommodations
5 Group Meetings
with 8-10 People also Living with Arthritis
100% Online
Trained Facilitator
Topics = Learning Modules
1:1 Consultations with Health Professionals
Ergonomic Assessment
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Includes work tasks, environment and workstation
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Conducted by an occupational therapist
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Completed using photos and a self-assessment tool
Job Retention Vocational Counselling
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Discussion of job accommodations and career counselling
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Conducted by a vocational rehabilitation counsellor
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Completed via virtual call
20 Years of Arthritis Research
A program developed through a comprehensive and rigorous process with input from a panel of experts, including people with arthritis.
“Making it WorkTM was created to help people with arthritis improve their confidence and ability so that they can manage problems encountered at work due to arthritis, make changes at work so that it is better adapted to their arthritis and remain employed and productive.”
Research Scientist
Dr. Diane Lacaille, MDCM, MHSc, FRCPC
Scientific Director, Arthritis Research Canada
Dr. Diane Lacaille is the Mary Pack Chair in Rheumatology Research and a professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of British Columbia. She is also the Scientific Director of Arthritis Research Canada and a practicing rheumatologist.
Dr. Lacaille’s research focuses on two areas: 1) Studying the impact of arthritis on employment and preventing work disability. To that effect, she has developed Making it WorkTM, an online program helping people with arthritis deal with employment issues. 2) Evaluating the quality of health care services received by people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Her research has been supported by peer reviewed grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Arthritis Network, The Arthritis Society of Canada and the Canadian Rheumatology Association. In 2019, she was awarded the Canadian Rheumatology Association’s Distinguished Investigator Award. She also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2013 for her research contributions.
