Flipping stigma webinar series
Join the conversation to help flip the script on stigma associated with dementia.
Last updated: November 15, 2023.
For many people living with dementia, stigma and discrimination are undeniable realities, such as making assumptions that they are incapable of doing things on their own. While people around them may not intend to discriminate, these situations can still have a negative impact on someone’s emotional, social and physical well-being when they’re living with the disease.
The best way to challenge stigma and prevent discrimination is through education and awareness. In this webinar series, British Columbians will be able to hear from the people living with the disease behind the “Flipping Stigma on its Ear” Toolkit – a valuable resource created in collaboration with researchers at the University of British Columbia – to share insights on how to address stigma associated with dementia.
In part three of the four-part Flipping Stigma series, we continue to spotlight the "Flipping Stigma on its Ear" Toolkit, with a focus on advocacy. Action group members living with dementia share their firsthand experiences and practical strategies for taking action against stigma and advocating for public awareness.
This webinar is for people living with dementia, family members, friends and health-care providers.
“It is a valuable tool for everyone to hear the first-person account of what it’s like to live with dementia,” says Jim Mann, the co-lead on the research team for the toolkit, who also lives with dementia. “You are hearing the questions and the solutions these members have developed – they are talking about living well.” During the webinar, Jim and other panelists will discuss the instances of discrimination faced in their day-to-day lives and provide different approaches to responding to stigma and discrimination by others.
According to a survey conducted by the Alzheimer Society of B.C., seven-in-10 respondents agreed that people living with dementia experience stigma. “Through this webinar series, we hope to share this toolkit to break down stigma and encourage British Columbians to continue to support people living with dementia,” says Kim Mckercher, Provincial Coordinator, Program Development at the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “We also want to help people living with the disease act with confidence when confronted with stigma in their lives.”
About our guest speaker
Dr. Jim Mann is the co-lead on the Flipping Stigma research team, who also lives with dementia. He has long been an invaluable leader and partner in much of our work at the Alzheimer Society of B.C., both behind the scenes serving on our board of directors and contributing his expert knowledge and lived experience to numerous projects, as well as in the public eye, sharing his personal story to break down stigma and inspire others to take action over the last 14 years.
The University of British Columbia recently recognized Jim as the most influential person in Canada in countering stereotypes and building a more inclusive society for people living with dementia, awarding him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
On-demand webinars from the Flipping stigma webinar series
- Part one of the series is now available on demand - "Flipping stigma: How to recognize and respond to stigma and discrimination".
- Part two of the webinar series is now available on demand - "Flipping stigma in action: Stories of empowerment and courage".
About the Flipping Stigma webinar series
This webinar is part one of the four-part Flipping stigma webinar series. The team members of the Flipping Stigma on its Ear Toolkit project, including action group members who live with dementia and researchers, will be invited to each webinar to help us explore the toolkit and share their stories and experiences. The aim of the series is to educate and raise awareness about dementia for changes in attitudes, assumptions, and action. People living with dementia, their family members and friends, as well as health-care providers, are welcomed to join the series. Stay tuned for details on upcoming webinars!
Photo. Action group and research team members of the Flipping Stigma on its Ear Toolkit project. For more information, please visit: flippingstigma.com.
Helpful resource
Flipping dementia stigma: An action group's guide
This guide was created by the Action Group members to provide direction for future research projects and collaborations, where people living with dementia serve as co-researchers and partners in the change making process. It showcases what the group accomplished together, as well as what’s possible for others who decide to jump in and effect positive change too.
The guide was written by the Flipping Stigma Action Group, facilitated by Jim Mann and Mariko Sakamoto, with support from the Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia Research Team, co-led by Jim Mann, Deborah O’Connor, and Alison Phinney.
*The graphics are used with permission from The Flipping Stigma Team.