News & Resources

Recent Podcasts

CURIKO – Filling the Spaces in Between

Community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities is and always will be a driving force for DDA. However, here in 2024, some new players and organizations are emerging to fill the spaces in between to help broaden horizons and cultivate relationships for people of all abilities. Say hello to CURIKO.

The Life That’s Chosen Me – From Russia with Love

Making personal sacrifices for your partner’s career is one thing, creating a home in several countries while at the same time caring for a severely disabled child is another. We caught up with Rachelle Rosolofo-Czerwinski to talk about her new memoir, The Life That’s Chosen Me – From Russia With Love.

Recent Posts

International Women’s Day and the Role of Caregivers

March is Women’s History Month, which coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8th. DDA has a rich history involving women. The association was started by a young woman in 1952 and many of the innovations the association brought to the mainstream were started by, you guessed It, women.

The Essential Need for Straws: City of Vancouver Wants the Feds to Change Single-Use Plastic Rules

In December 2023, the federal government brought into force its country-wide ban on single-use plastics which includes plastic straws. That has been a huge issue for many people in the disability community who use flexible plastic straws every day to drink.

Pink Shirt Day: Inclusivity and Standing Up for People with Developmental Disabilities

Pink Shirt Day, celebrated in many places on the last Wednesday of February, is a powerful symbol of our commitment to fostering kindness, acceptance, and standing up against bullying.

AssistiveTech

Assistive Technology Review: CalmPalm

The CalmPalm device is a self-soothing and self-regulatory tool designed to help individuals who experience anxiety and related insomnia. The CalmPalm uses micro electro stimulation pulses to trigger acupuncture points associated with calming the ‘fight or flight’ response.

Assistive Technology Review – Skull Candy Headphones

Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are advertised as providing quality audio with an exceptional noise cancelling experience at a significantly lower cost than other similar products on the market.

Assistive Technology Tech Review: Blots Silicone Stress Balls

Blots are unique in the way Speks has primarily advertised a sensory tool to a mainstream, neurotypical audience. Sensory supports can be a useful resource for anyone – we all have sensory systems and sensory needs!

DDA
Artists

Jane Barrett-Lennard

Medium: Acrylic Pour

Lenny Law

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Lisa Poon

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Jamie Dri

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

David Purkis

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas