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.

Third Party Reporting Centre-Press Release

Hate Incidents and Crimes are generally reported straight to the police, however, if people would prefer not to, or need support they can now report any hate incident/crime against a disabled person through Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) during office hours, 9:30 - 5, Mon - Fri.

A hate incident is any incident which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived to be motivated by prejudice or hate against disabled people.
For example - Name calling, verbal abuse or harassment
A hate crime is a hate incident which does constitute a criminal offence, and again is motivated by prejudice or hate against disabled people.
For example - Attacks, physical abuse and Graffiti
The victim, a witness or any other person who knows or believes a hate crime/incident has taken place can make a report.

So why report it? The third party reporting system allows you to report a hate incident/crime to the police through DAD by giving us as little or as much information as you wish. All reports are kept confidential. By reporting it, it will enable the police to act upon such incidents and also build up patterns of behaviour and areas within the community where hate incidents and crimes are being committed, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively.
Safety and security, and the right to live free from fear and harassment, are fundamental human rights.

Gordon Pybus, Chair of DAD said “It is vitally important that disabled people should always report any hate incident or crime because what could be just name calling one day could easily escalate into a serious incident even leading to a fatality.”

Mike Cleasby, Valuing People Co-ordinator (Darlington Borough Council) said “The Council is committed to working in partnership with people with disabilities, DAD & the Police to increase public confidence and reduce the fear of crime. This scheme will allow an alternative way for people to report hate crime incidents, and will show perpetrators that we have a seamless approach to tackling this issue.”

Inspector Mark Button, Darlington Neighbourhood Team said “The police in Darlington recognise the importance of such an initiative that would improve the process of reporting such incidents, and we will fully support this integrated partnership approach to ensure it’s success.”

If you would like to report a hate incident/crime or for more information, please call into the DAD offices in Horsemarket or telephone 01325 489999 or email joanna@darlingtondisability.org

School Holiday Volunteers Needed

Do you have time on your hands during the holidays?

Darlington Association on Disability’s D.A.S.H service runs playschemes for disabled children during school holidays.

We are looking for volunteers who are able to help from one day to twenty days, every little helps…… The more volunteers we can recruit, the more children we will be able to provide play sessions to.

In return for your time and efforts we will provide travelling expenses, training, the opportunity to volunteer in a friendly and well supported environment and the chance to gain valuable experience and skills, not forgetting the social events!

All volunteers must: be over 16 years of age, enjoy the company of children, have a sense of fun, enjoy a challenge, willing to undertake training and complete our application process.

Volunteer opportunity subject to references and an enhanced CRB check

For further information or an application pack please contact Recruitment on 01325 360524 or directpayments@darlingtondisability.org

Break Through!

The May issue of the DAD Newsletter "Break Through!" is now online and has been added to the Newsletter section.

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 23rd July 2010.

Make a Donation to DAD

DAD has a page on the JustGiving website which allows secure online donations to be made directly to DAD. Alternatively, donations can be made by calling into any of DAD's offices.

Help DAD Reduce Costs

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

Mission Statement

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

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

Dial UK Serving the Disability Network