News & Resources

Recent Podcasts

Jamie Dri Success Story: Celebrating 15 Years With Jobs West

For many, success is defined by job title and bank accounts. For Jamie Dri, overcoming crushing anxiety and living independently means she is on top of her game. She has been a part of DDA’s employment program, Jobs West, for the last 15 years and has no plans to stop! She shares her lived experience in this episode of the Encouagring Abilities podcast.

Managing Anxiety in Autism: Going Full Improv with Dr. Nathan Keates

A chance meeting on ‘X’ has DDA chatting with Dr. Nathan Keates, in London, England about his Ph.D. thesis that postulates improv theatre has a benefit for autistic people when it comes to managing anxiety and more.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s – When Care Giving is Vital

At some point in our lives, we will all be touched by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, in the developmental disability community, these conditions are more likely to show up. We connect with Karen Tyrell, author of Cracking the Dementia Code and consultant to the DDA community.

Recent Posts

And the Nominees Are…

While the Yorkton film festival lasted for two and a half days and ended in an awards ceremony only after a weekend of screenings, learning from filmmakers, and hearing from government funding representatives, the Leo Awards from the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation of British Columbia host 2 eveningsof gala awards. 

DDA Autumn Star Magazine

In this edition, you’ll find stories about… …and much more. A big thanks to everyone who submitted stories and photos for this edition. DDA Star – Autumn 2023

Disability Rights – The Woman Who Started it All

“When other people see you as a third-class citizen, the first thing you need is a belief in yourself and the knowledge that you have rights.” – Judith Heumann

AssistiveTech

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!

Tech Review: Loop Earplugs

Loop Earplugs are advertised sound-filtering earplugs which allow the user to experience sound without background noises, as well as reducing the overall decibel level.

DDA
Artists

Jane Barrett-Lennard

Medium: Acrylic Pour

Lenny Law

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Lisa Poon

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Sam Lai

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Jamie Dri

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas