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. D.A.D. 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.

D.A.D 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 2008 Access for All Award

Nominations are being invited for this year's Darlington Access for All Award. The awards, which are organised by DAD and Darlington Borough Council, are presented to businesses or organisations that ensure their buildings or open spaces are accessible to all and that have a culture which embraces accessibility in all of its forms. Nomination forms are available from DAD's Head Office or from the Town Hall.

The closing date for nominations is 1st November and the Award Ceremony will take place on 20th November at the Dolphin Centre.

Fundraising Latest

The fundraising committee held a race night at the Cleveland Club on Wednesday 20th August and managed to raise a total of £435 for DAD. We will be holding a Halloween Party in October (date to be decided) tickets will be available from HQ from mid September. If anybody wants further information, please contact Joanna Hodgson on 01325 489999 or email joanna@darlingtondisability.org

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

21st Anniversary

D.A.D. is now celebrating its 21st anniversary and the theme for the year is to actively promote Independent Living. The launch of the 21st Anniversary Year together with the Access Awards Ceremony and the D.A.D. Annual General Meeting was held at the Central Hall in the Dolphin Centre on Thursday 22nd November 2007.

The 2007 Annual Report has now been released and the very first Annual Report is also available in the History section, we hope you enjoy reading about D.A.D.'s first year.

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 September 2008.

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.