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DDA Joins VPD Safe Place Program

DDA has spent the past 70 years fighting for inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities, and this fight doesn’t end there. Regardless of disability, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender or identity, DDA strives for an inclusive and safe community, and DDA has registered with the Vancouver Police Department to become an official Safe Place. Safe Place is a program that aims to, “increase safety for the members of the LGBTQ2S+ community by providing a safe place if they are a victim of a crime or have any concern for their personal safety”.

What does this mean for DDA? This means that DDA is committed to having policies and practices in place that protect staff and clients who identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. DDA will continue to support and promote inclusion for sexual and gender minorities within our organization and our local community; and if needed DDA will offer shelter for those in need until help arrives.

“As an advocate for a safe and inclusive community, this is very important to our mission. We have a very diverse community of staff, clients, and family members, many of whom identify with the LGBTQ2+ community. The public needs to know this is a safe and inclusive place. If you feel threatened and you’re in our area you are welcome, you are safe.” – DDA’s Executive Director, Alanna Hendren.

For more information about Safe Place, you can visit their website at https://vpdsafeplace.com.