Provincial Budget 2018 – Key Highlights

The budget announced on February 20, 2018 had lots of good news for people who are served and employed by the Developmental Disabilities Association: $1 billion over 3 years for child care $1.6 billion for Housing $1.5 billion for Healthcare $409 million for K-12 Education New taxes include: 20% foreign buyers’ tax 9.3% increase in …

Leisure Fair 2018

After several months of preparation, Leisure Fair 2018 was held at the Trout Lake Community Centre on April 3. Around 90 people came through the doors to meet and talk with representatives from 23 recreation and leisure organizations. This was my first time attending the event. I had so much fun and learned a lot. …

Victoria’s Relaxation Room

Think less, feel more. This is the experience that we try to provide for our clients in the relaxation room. The relaxation room came about over many conversations because of the open-concept layout at Victoria Day Program. The Victoria Day team was looking to utilize the space efficiently while considering a sun-lit, busy street view …

Star Newsletter – Spring 2018

DDA 2018 goals

Our Spring edition of The Star newsletter is out. Expect to find stories and resources on topics including: 2018…The Saga Continues Behaviour Management AAC Staff Training at DDA Vancouver Tax Clinics and Locations Download STAR Newsletter

2018..The Saga Continues

DDA 2018 goals

The New Year is always full of predictions and new hopes for the future. Although we continue to have work from 2017 that still needs completion, we have great hopes for 2018 and what it might bring. In addition to health, happiness and the continued success of everyone associated with DDA, here’s our wish list …

Behaviour Management

Behaviour Management DDA

Aggressive, inappropriate, and anti-social behaviours are some of the biggest barriers to inclusion for people with developmental disabilities in school, community, and the workforce. Such behaviours are also very hard on families. All people who demonstrate extreme behaviours, whether they have developmental disabilities or not, challenge inclusion and community acceptance. There are some behaviours that …

AAC Staff Training at DDA

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training

In 2017, DDA investigated technology solutions that can increase the capabilities of people with disabilities. DDA’s goal is to develop and provide client-centred technological supports to optimize independence. The use of assistive technology promotes work towards independent living for people with disabilities. To do this, DDA provides education for frontline staff and site managers to …

Indo-Canadian Cultural Festival

DDA at Namaste Canada

In 2016, the Consulate General of India’s office in Vancouver came up with an idea to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the Indian diaspora living in British Columbia. This cultural festival was aptly named NAMASTE CANADA. Namaste in Indian culture signifies respectful greetings with both palms and fingers joined together, metaphorically depicting the union …

Star Newsletter – Winter 2017

In our Winter edition of the Star, you’ll find stories and resources on topics including: A Trip to the Future – 17th Annual Coleman Conference – our executive director’s experience at the conference Accessing Accessibility – enhancing life skills through apps Our United Way Campaign 2017 – join us to fundraise for United Way Property in Trusts – financial …

Accessing Accessibility

iPad technology has become increasingly more accessible for individuals with disabilities since its first release in 2010. Built-in accessibility options now allow caregivers to quickly make changes to both the audiovisual presentation and functionality of the device for individual specific adaptations. These features are available out of the box and can be used without the …

A Trip to the Future – 17th Annual Coleman Conference

The Coleman Conference, held just outside of Boulder, Colorado by the Coleman Institute, brings together academics, service providers, families, self-advocates, bureaucrats, and tech industry pioneers to discuss the use of digital technology to increase the independence of people with cognitive disabilities.  This year, I was asked to talk about our robot project by the American …

Star Newsletter – Spring 2017

Our Spring edition of The Star newsletter is out. Expect to find stories and resources on topics including: Myths and facts surrounding childcare in Vancouver The troubles surrounding housing and people with disabilities Tax concepts – credits and deductions Upcoming Spring events and workshops Download STAR Newsletter