Namaste Canada 2018

The third edition of Namaste Canada, a widely popular Indo-Canadian cultural show was held on September 1, 2018 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre. Organized by the Consulate General of India, Vancouver, and the India Cultural Association, Namaste Canada reflects India’s diverse culture and includes a variety of Indian traditional dances, music and food. The day began …

Canada’s Aging Population & DDA’s Seniors Outreach Program

So many great people do so many great things at DDA that it’s difficult to select specific projects to highlight, but this year we have launched a pilot project service that shows terrific potential. Under the auspices of our Family Support program, our Seniors Outreach project is designed to support aging people with developmental disabilities …

Star Newsletter – Fall 2018

Our Fall edition of The Star newsletter is out. Expect to find stories and resources on topics including: DDA Awarded CARF’S Highest Level of Accreditation for the 5th Time Annual General Meeting Recap: 2017-2018 DDA Art at Granville Island Farmers Market Hotels Give Caregivers A Break Cash 4 Clothes Does A Good Turn for the Scouts Get …

Weaving Enriching Experiences Into Community Living

Last year, DDA received a vintage Leclerc 4-harness loom as a donation for use within our activity and engagement programming. Over the past 6 months, volunteers from the Greater Vancouver Weavers’ & Spinners’ Guild have generously given their time and expertise to assemble, repair, and install the loom at our Arlington group home in what …

Get Out And Vote!

The 2018 municipal election is approaching and the DDA Self Advocacy Group wants to encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote, and choose the best candidates they see fit to lead Vancouver in the upcoming three years. In Vancouver, we are looking to elect a mayor and 10 councillors to sit on City Council. …

Cash 4 Clothes Does A Good Turn for the Scouts

When the 3rd Cloverdale Scout Troop set a goal of $40,000 for their trip to the 2017 Canadian Jamboree in Nova Scotia, many fundraising ideas were needed. After participating in a Cash 4 Clothes opportunity with my child’s school Parent Advisory Council, I knew this would help the boys earn money as well as support …

DDA Art at Granville Island Farmers Market

Self-expression through art can capture the senses, and transport the mind to a meditative state, which has shown to be beneficial for reducing symptoms of anxiety. At the Victoria Day Program, we empower individuals to express their artistic creativity in every project, ranging from painting on canvas, to building clay sculptures, to “Do-It-Yourself” crafts. This …

Hotels Give Caregivers A Break

We all need a break now and then, but there are people for whom the daily demands of life pose a particularly relentless set of challenges. They are the parents, siblings and sometimes extended family of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Family members of children and adults with developmental disabilities often take on many …

Annual General Meeting Recap: 2017-2018

The 66th Annual General Meeting was held on June 20, 2018. During the AGM, the annual report was presented to members of the Association, Board of Directors, staff, family and visitors. Highlights from this year’s annual report include: Infant Development Program served over 450 families this year; Child Development Centres supported 435 families including 88 …

DDA Awarded CARF’S Highest Level of Accreditation for the 5th Time

CARF’s (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) on-site survey was conducted May 16-18, 2018 and identified the Association’s strengths and conformance to international standards of practice. Based on an intensive three-day survey conducted by three CARF surveyors, DDA was awarded its fifth three-year certification, the highest level of accreditation awarded for excellence in service. For …

Star Newsletter – Summer 2018

Our Summer edition of The Star newsletter is out. Expect to find stories and resources on topics including: Provincial Budget 2018 Reflections on Our Employees Leisure Fair 2018 Victoria’s Relaxation Room Shiamak Spring Funk Download STAR Newsletter

Shiamak Spring Funk

The Shiamak Spring Funk was held on March 17 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. This year’s theme was Carnival. The DDA performance was bigger than ever! Over 40 participants (including staff) were on the stage and performed in their beautiful, new traditional clothes. Everyone looked amazing! You could see the pride on …