Jim Derksen receives honourary degree
June 16, 2009
Congratulations to Jim Derksen, a former SMD board member and longtime contributor to Manitoba’s disability community who recently received an honourary doctorate from the University of Manitobaa.
Born in 1947 in a small rural farming community, Jim was diagnosed with polio in 1953. He became involved in the disability rights movement as an adult and has not stopped contributing over the last four decades.
Jim was a founding member of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the Disability Rights Council and was seconded from CCD to the Parliamentary Committee responsible for the 1981 Obstacles Report.
He has worked with Disabled Peoples’ International (Development Officer), Province of Manitoba (Decade of the Disabled coordinator; and Executive Director of the Disability Issues office).
Jim’s contribution to numerous advisory and regulatory boards, his unrelenting involvement in countless disability related issues and his articulate activism for the rights of people with disabilities reflects his deep commitment to and passion for improving the lives of people with disabilities. His efforts in promoting the disability rights movement are recognized locally, nationally and internationally.
Congratulations Jim!
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