Dimensions Disability Initiative

Picture of outside view of West Lodge

Dimensions is located at West Lodge, West Crescent, Darlington, and is used as a base for people to progress in their personal development.

Aims

• To continue to develop as a ‘user-led’ initiative, whilst promoting the Social Model of Disability and a positive image of disabled people

• To promote self progression and inclusion in respect of education, training leisure, voluntary experience and employment

• To recruit a sufficient number of referrals, particularly targeting 18-25 year olds, thereby ensuring that Dimensions reaches full capacity

• To develop additional disability related courses and secure funding for additional learning opportunities

Introduction

Dimensions is a ‘user-led’ initiative which promotes and maintains self progression, independence and choice. Based on the Social Model of Disability, we recognise the need to challenge and break through the physical and attitudinal barriers which disabled people face on a daily basis. Dimensions members work at their own pace to devise Personal Development Plans, setting goals which include access to education, training, leisure, voluntary opportunities and employment.

Dimensions members have accessed a wide variety of training opportunities including Confidence Building, Assertiveness, Independent Living Skills, Key Skills, Information Technology and Disability Equality Training. We also offer less formal projects and workshops including Art and Design, Digital Camera Course and Deaf Awareness.

Dimensions is actively involved in the consultation of disabled people locally and nationally on a wide variety of issues.

Personal Development

Members of Dimensions devise their own Personal Development Plans (PDPs) from which they set individual goals or organise group projects.

Volunteers and Staff are available to support Members to produce and action their PDPs.

The following picture is an example of one of these PDPs in action.

Picture showing an example of a PDP in action

Quotes from Members

A separate page of quotations from past and present members of Dimensions can now be read here.

Advisory Group

Dimensions has an Advisory Group which is led by members and consists of representation from Darlington College, Libraries and Community Learning Service, Social Services, DAD's Executive Committee and DAD's management. There are up to 6 elected members of Dimensions whose role is to ensure that Dimensions remains user led by disabled people and reflects the aims and objectives of DAD.

Dimensions Art and Design

Dimensions Art and Design has a business plan created by the members of Dimensions Disability Initiative whose aims are:

• To utilise the knowledge, skills, talent and expertise of members within Dimensions Art and Design.

• To ensure that the products made are of a consistently high standard.

• To monitor, evaluate and develop Dimensions Art and Design in line with the philosophy of Dimensions Disability Initiative.

Click here to see Dimensions Art and Design's Business Plan.

How to access Dimensions

If you:

• Live within Darlington Borough Council boundaries

• Have a physical and / or sensory impairment

• Are aged between 18 - 65

... and are interested in finding out more, then please contact us. We would be happy to arrange a visit and/or taster session for you.

Volunteers

Dimensions needs volunteers to assist in supporting members who are accessing training courses, workshops, leisure activities and employment. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer then please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator, Donna Gibson. Donna's contact details can be found at the foot of the Volunteer Project page.

Opening Hours

9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday

For more information contact

Rosemary, Lynn or Rob at:

Dimensions Disability Initiative
West Lodge
West Crescent
Darlington DL3 7PS
Tel: 01325 254840
Minicom: 01325 243007
Fax: 01325 254841
Email: dimensions@darlingtondisability.org

Courses for 2008

• Confidence Building
• Assertiveness
• Mentor Training
• Disability Equality
• Social Model Awareness
• First Aid
• Health and Safety
• Food Hygiene
• Computers for Beginners
• Next Step Computing OCN Level 1
• European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Level 1 & 2
• Presentation Skills
• BA Honours Open Degree
• Creative Writing
• Faith Awareness
• Indian Cookery
• Ceramics & Pottery
• Excel for Project Management
• Introduction to Braille (Taster)
• Deaf Awareness & Introduction to Sign Language
• British Sign Language Level 1 & 2
• Community Sports Leadership Award Level 2
• Floral Art
• Calligraphy

Dimensions Disability Initiative (Dimensions) is a service provided by Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) in partnership with Darlington Borough Council Social Services Department.