Vocational Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Services in the context of HIV Infection, Issues and Guiding Principles

The BC Persons with AIDS Society has noticed that some its members are considering returning to the workforce or entering the workforce for the first time. This document outlines issues and guiding principles that the Society has developed in consultation with Health Canada to address the complex issues of returning to work to best support its members. The principles address the individual with HIV, HIV/AIDS community organizations, governments and private agencies with respect to medical science and research, self-determination, flexibility, safety, responsibility, and income security. The society recommends adopting these principles to guide the development of practices, policies and programs that will make the return to work a positive and rewarding experience rather than a burden that exacerbates the hardships related to HIV disease.