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The collective mental health of planet earth has been taking a beating so far in 2020 thanks to COVID-19. It goes without saying that we could all use a mental break from what the world is currently going through. It’s not enough that fear of the pandemic has swept the globe, but along with it …

The COVID-19 pandemic has, for many, meant a shift to work from home. Even without COVID-19 making it somewhat mandatory, many people regularly maintain a home office. Online applications like Skype and the now very popular ZOOM make it easier to facilitate working from home if and when you can. However, with kids being safe …

The New Normal for DDA Foster Families As people around the world stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic it’s easy to see how our regular lives can get lost in the transition. The new normal is far from feeling normal to most. For special needs families, the transition can come with extra challenges. Solid routines …

The global COVID-19 crisis threatens to drag on for some time as countries try to rein in the infectious illness. British Columbia appears to be leading the charge when it comes to flattening the curve here in Canada, something we can all be very proud of. Developmental Disabilities Association’s community involves over 2000 clients and …

By Alanna Hendren, Executive Director of Developmental Disabilities Association Being stuck in solitary confinement gives me a lot of extra time to think, so I spend a lot of time thinking about you and how grateful I am that DDA staff have stepped up during this COVID pandemic to ensure our job continues to get …

We are all safe at home. Social distancing is the new norm for the time being. Schools are able to connect with students to continue their education as best as possible and many parents are now working from home. That means kids of all ages and abilities need activities to fill the time besides relying …

With schools closed likely until the new school year due to COVID-19, education will continue to flow in the online world. What also needs to keep flowing is physical exercise. For people of all ages who have developmental disabilities, a regular exercise routine is paramount for maintaining overall health. While most families are self-isolating it’s …

It’s old news now that most schools, businesses, and organizations are closed until further notice during the ongoing COVID 19 outbreak. For families, keeping children with special needs engaged and inspired to learn can be a challenge. However, there are a lot of great online options to help bridge the learning gap. The website Adapted …

By Elissa Morris and Alanna Hendren DDA has been providing support and care to people living with developmental disabilities since 1952. Throughout our history, the majority of our staff have been women, and in honor of International Women’s Day, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the work that they have done and continue to do. …

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and a time for DDA to help educate the public about the needs of this diverse group and to end the stigma around issues of disability. Since its inception in 1952, Developmental Disabilities Association has made great strides in the communities of Vancouver and Richmond to create a …

February 26, 2020, is Pink Shirt Day and Developmental Disabilities Association would like to remind British Columbians that students with developmental disabilities are more likely to be bullied than their peers and we need to be more watchful in their protection and advocacy. A McMaster University study claims students with disabilities are especially vulnerable to …