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Wow. What a year. For everyone, it has been transitional. What started off as a concern we needed to keep an eye on, turned into a full-blown global catastrophe that changed everything seemingly overnight. The COVID-19 pandemic is and will continue to be the number one topic on everyone’s mind for months to come. While …

This week the Developmental Disabilities Association learned of the passing of a champion for those with cognitive disabilities. Bill Coleman, the founder of Colorado University’s Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities, died this week at age 73 after battling cancer for some time. The Coleman Institute is known for developing and integrating technology that promotes the …

December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities Association stands with those who have fought hard to be seen and heard. Since 1952 DDA has been a staunch ally for those with developmental disabilities and today has grown into an organization that advocates and supports over 2000 British Columbians and …

It’s a strange one, Mr. Grinch. Christmas of 2020 may not be the way we want it, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it great! The ongoing pandemic means British Columbia now has new social distancing rules in place, including wearing masks in indoor public places, and numerous outdoor holiday events have been canceled. …

While the world is still reeling under the effects of COVID-19 and world’s most intellectual minds are racing against time to invent a vaccine, there is some positive news at Curzon Day Program. Fighting against all odds and strictly following the social distancing regulations, Henrik Nashlund has been walking his way to becoming much fitter, …

From youngsters collecting candy at a distance to the B.C. government not allowing the usual Halloween parties, the spirit of Halloween was in question. Unless, of course, you’re part of DDA! Halloween ‘spirits’ at many of our homes were not dampened in the least and many dressed up and had lots of fun! Social distancing …

I used to love coming into the office. Now I roll out of bed and walk 15 paces to my desk that used to be my dining room table. Since April, I have been working at home most of the time because a maximum of 20 people are allowed in the office and we have …

It’s been a busy year for art and DDA! We are very proud of Andrew Cathers who had his first solo art show with local group Outsiders and Others in July this year. Andrew is a 38-year-old, self-taught artist from Whistler, B.C. As an adult British Columbian with autism, he often creates his brilliant work …

Diversity in the workforce is a benefit to everyone. We caught up with Michael, a participant in DDA’s Jobs West Employment Services program. Jobs West enables people with developmental disabilities to prepare for, find, and maintain community-based employment placements. It also helps businesses hire, train, and retain qualified entry-level staff. Michael found successful work placement …

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. From who we see to how we work, nothing feels the same. DDA’s Annual General Meeting meant transitioning from one way of doing things to another in order to prevent people from getting sick. One thing is certain, we will all get through this together.

To DDA, every month is Disability Employment Month because we know that businesses thrive when they include a neurodiverse staff. DDA understands that those employees with developmental disabilities may require help in transitioning from certain programs to a life of happy employment. That’s where we can help. Since 1985, DDA’s Jobs West Employment Program has …

The phrase ‘new normal’ is almost redundant already. The presence of COVID and the lifestyle it has brought to the world is a difficult part of reality, and we have to adapt. So what do you do? Lie down and wait for it to go away? Nope. DDA employees ensure those people we support and …