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#Webinar Description:

How do we prevent falls in older adults without being overprotective? For those who are frail or approaching frailty, daily activities create risk for falls.  The term “dignity of risk” was introduced by Perske in 1972 who stated “in the past, we found clever ways to build avoidance of risk into the lives of persons living with disabilities. We have learned there can be crippling indignity in safety. Prioritizing safeguarding over the rights of individuals to independent decision-making is a limitation on personal freedom. Now we must work equally hard to help find the proper amount of risk these people have the right to take.”  In this webinar, Dr. Steve Robinovitch will discuss the concept of dignity of risk in the context of falls and encourage audience feedback on the challenges of defining prudent risks, and preventing falls while promoting autonomy, self-determination, freedom to move, and the right to live with risk.

#Webinar Presenters

Steve Robinovitch is a Professor at Simon Fraser University with appointments in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, and Engineering Science. His program on Technology for Injury Prevention in Seniors (http://www.sfu.ca/tips) focuses on the cause and prevention of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. In partnership with long-term care sites in the Vancouver area, TIPS conducted a cohort study involving the collection and analysis of video footage of real-life falls in older adults. TIPS has also developed wearable sensor system that automatically detect falls, and solutions to prevent injuries in the event of a fall, including wearable hip protectors and compliant flooring. Dr. Robinovitch received his Ph.D. in 1995 in Medical Engineering from MIT/ Harvard. He has published 120 peer-reviewed papers and is a past recipient of a Canada Research Chair, a New Investigator Award from CIHR, a Scholar Award from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, and a Career Award from the Canadian Society of Biomechanics.

CPHA’s Normalizing Conversations project team has partnered with CAPSA to develop a workshop titled “Challenging Structural Substance Use Stigma” for health and social service providers. Over the last few months, CPHA and CAPSA have worked with community partners across Canada to pilot this workshop online. We are excited to invite those in the Ottawa area to attend our first in-person session! Join CPHA and CAPSA for an in-person pilot workshop on September 19th, 2023, from 9 am to 4 pm (EDT). This free and interactive in-person workshop will be held in the first floor boardroom (suite 102) of the Carling Executive Centre at 1545 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON. The workshop will include a free lunch provided by Grounded Kitchen and Coffee and will offer a range of dietary options. Paid parking is available onsite. Additional costs (time/travel/etc.) will not be covered.  

#What to expect?  

This workshop provides an opportunity for health and social service providers to explore the impacts of structural stigma related to substance use. By the end of the workshop, participants will have:   

• A strengthened understanding of the various forms of stigma and factors that contribute to substance use related stigma   
• A strengthened ability to assess stigmatizing policies, programs, or practices and engage in advocacy to reduce stigma   
• A strengthened understanding of why people with lived and living experience have an essential role in the healthcare system, including policy and program decisions   

As this is a pilot, please note that space will be limited to 25 participants. To accommodate as many individuals as we can, a waitlist will be made available once registration is closed to notify you if a spot becomes available. 

A participant manual and venue details will be sent to you prior to the workshop. If you have any questions, please contact Sophie Chochla schochla@cpha.ca or CPHA at substanceuse@cpha.ca. 

Presented by the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) and the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA).