Flipping stigma webinar series
Join the conversation to help flip the script on stigma associated with dementia.
Last updated: May 6, 2024.
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 the last part of the four-part Flipping Stigma series, we focus on the research behind the Flipping Stigma on its Ear Tool Kit. Representatives from the research team along with Action Group Members living with dementia will:
- Discuss the importance of participatory action research, which focuses on the co-creation of knowledge for the purpose of supporting social change.
- Address the underlying stigma and misconceptions of dementia that exist in the research field.
- Look at the toolkit’s global impact and what’s next for the flipping stigma team.
This webinar is for the general public.
On-demand webinar is now available: The 'why' behind the "flipping stigma on its ear" toolkit
About our guest speakers
Dr. Heather Cooke
Dr. Heather Cooke joined the Alzheimer Society of B.C. in April 2022, having worked in the field of dementia care in both a front-line and research capacity for more than 25 years. She is passionate about improving the lives of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, be it in the community or long-term care settings. She has a Masters degree in Gerontology from Simon Fraser University and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Victoria. An adjunct professor in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, Heather also teaches in the Masters of Health Leadership and Policy Seniors Care program. In her work at the Society, Heather supports the creation and sharing of research for knowledge users, including individuals with lived experience, policy makers and practitioners.
Lynn Jackson
Lynn Jackson began her career as a Registered Nurse. She is a proud member of the Metis Nation of BC with sixth generation roots stemming from the Manitoba Cree. Lynn was diagnosed with dementia in 1999. Her current interests include advocating for people with dementia and increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She has spoken locally, nationally, and internationally to promote better diagnosis, access to treatment and inclusiveness. Lynn has taken a particular interest in breaking the stigma surrounding a diagnosis of dementia.
Dr. Jim Mann
Dr. Jim Mann is the co-lead on the Flipping Stigma research team, who also lives with dementia. He has long been a valuable 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. The University of British Columbia 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.
Dr. Alison Phinney
Dr. Alison Phinney is a registered nurse and holds an MSc in Nursing from McGill University and a PhD from the University of California at San Francisco. She is the co-director of the Centre for Research on Personhood in Dementia, and is known internationally for her work on dementia, meaningful activity, and aging. She conducts research in partnership with community leaders and people with lived experience to build knowledge and capacity for supporting personhood and social citizenship of older people, especially those living with dementia and their families.
On-demand webinars from the Flipping stigma webinar series
- Part one - "Flipping stigma: How to recognize and respond to stigma and discrimination".
- Part two - "Flipping stigma in action: Stories of empowerment and courage".
- Part three - "Flipping Stigma in action: Building confidence and competence in advocacy"
- Part four - The 'why' behind the "flipping stigma on its ear" toolkit
About the 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.
“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.”
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.”
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.