Introduction

Darlington Association on Disability was established in 1986 as a voluntary and charitable organisation led by disabled people. It exists to promote independence and choice, and supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues locally and nationally. DAD promotes the social model of disability, and as part of that remit is actively involved in promoting disability equality and awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act.

DAD acts as a focal point for consultation with disabled people and carers. It also manages a range of services / projects to support its aims.

Darlington Access for All Award 2008

(Cllr Ian Haszeldine presenting award to Darlington Mencap Society Gateway Club)

(Cllr Ian Haszeldine presenting award to Carmel RC College)

Darlington Association on Disability in partnership with Darlington Borough Council held the ‘Darlington Access for All Award’ event. The Mayor of Darlington Cllr Ian Haszeldine presented the award at D.A.D's annual meeting on the 20th November in the Central Hall at the Dolphin Centre. The voluntary sector winner was Darlington Mencap Society Gateway Club and the non-voluntary sector winner was Carmel RC College. A Highly Commended went to Darlington Social Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Also Commended were the Health Care Dental practice in Parkplace, Grange Road Baptist Church , National Childminding Association and Darlington Early Years Service.

“The award is to recognise a business or organisation that has taken that extra step in improving access for all disabled people by eliminating physical and attitude barriers and I congratulate them all for there efforts and achievements”.

Gordon Pybus

Chair, Darlington Association on Disability

Aiming High for Disabled Children

DAD's Annual Members Meeting was held on Thursday 20th November 2008. The theme of the event was Disabled Children and Young People. We were delighted to be host to our keynote speaker Mrs. Alison John - Inclusive Play Consultant, who gave a presentation on Aiming High for Disabled Children. The Keynote Speech included references to Aiming High for Disabled Children, Every Disabled Child Matters and ‘The Core Offer.’ Please visit the D.A.S.H. page to view the key points of the presentation.

Change for DAD

As a charity, DAD is led by an executive committee made up of trustees, the majority of whom are disabled people. The committee recently took the decision, endorsed by members, to become a company limited by guarantee. This is likely to place DAD in a better position to attract funding; incorporating will also safeguard our trustees. We are still a charity, although our charity number has changed to 1125848. The organisation will not become DAD limited; and for the most part people outside DAD will not notice that anything has changed.

The Charity Commission have recently revised their guidelines on what can be included in a Charity's objectives. As part of the process of incorporation trustees also took the opportunity to revise DAD's constitution slightly to ensure that it reflects DAD's mission statement and its commitment to the Social Model of Disability.

If you are a member, or are thinking about becoming a member, and would like more information about incorporation and how it might affect you, please get in touch with DAD's Chief Executive, Lauren Robinson. She can be contacted by telephone 01325 489999, by e-mail lauren@darlingtondisability.org or by calling in to our office at 20-22 Horsemarket, Darlington.

Charity Award

We are delighted and very proud to announce that DAD was recently awarded ‘Disability Charity of the Year’ at the 2008 County Durham and Tees Valley Charity awards. The person nominating DAD commented on the wide ranging work that the organisation does, and the way that the DAD successfully reaches so many people. Competition was stiff, and we were pleased that the efforts of our staff, volunteers, members and supporters were recognised. Link to Awards Ceremony shows the various awards being made. Lauren, our Chief Executive, can be seen receiving our award approximately 1 minute and 10 seconds into the clip!

Scooter and Wheelchair Safety Day

Link to BBC Look North Coverage

Darlington Association on Disability, through its Shopmobility Project held an Electric Scooter and Wheelchair Safety Event on Thursday 26th June in Darlington Market Square as part of their ‘Go Slow’ Campaign launched on Wednesday 21st May 2008.

The aim of the event was for anyone who already owns a scooter or wheelchair, or is thinking of purchasing one, to come along and try out a range of Shopmobility Equipment from manual wheelchairs, dual control electric wheelchairs through to four wheeled scooters, and to learn how to use this equipment safely.

There was a test track where users were instructed by Shopmobility Staff on safe manoeuvring and controlling speed.

DAD staff were available on the day to offer advice on buying mobility equipment, registering the equipment with the DVLA if necessary, using public transport and obtaining a blue badge as well as all other related enquiries including legal speed limits for scooters.

The Shopmobility Project provided by DAD and funded by Darlington Borough Council is committed to making its service users aware of the need to keep their speed down to an acceptable level within the Town Centre and all of its equipment is restricted to 4mph, and would like to educate all users of these vehicles in how to use them safely and consider other pedestrians within the Town Centre and Borough.

For more information please call into DAD's office in Horsemarket or contact Joanna Hodgson on 01325 489999 or email joanna@darlingtondisability.org

Direct Payments Vacancies

There are many posts available to work in Darlington as a Personal Assistant or Support Worker employed by a disabled person or carer using a Direct Payment. A new, separate page giving details of all the current posts is now on-line. These vacancies were last updated on 26th June 2009.

Help D.A.D. Reduce Costs

If you have any old mobile phones or empty printer cartridges, D.A.D. has a collection point in the reception area of Head Office and you will be helping to raise money to support D.A.D.

Mission Statement

Darlington Association on Disability is an organisation led by disabled people, which exists to promote independence and choice.

D.A.D supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally.