Darlington Association on Disability
Centre for Independent Living
Registered Charity No. 1125848
We support disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally. Visit our website at www.darlingtondisability.org for more detailed information and contact details. Continue for a brief out
line of Darlington Association on Disability (DAD). We are a Centre for Independent Living, offering support and services for disabled people including children, older people, people who have a learning difficulty or experience mental ill health. We support people of all ages and impairments. What does DAD Centre for Independent Living do? Advocacy: giving every person a voice of their own, making sure they are not excluded. Improves access for disabled people. Peer Support for disabled people to learn from one another. Works in Co-Production with others to make decisions and develop services that work for everyone. Offers support to people exploring and using Personal Budgets and Direct Payments. Training, advisors, practitioners, the voluntary sector, disabled people and carers on many topics, including Disability Equality. Campaigns on issues affecting disabled people’s lives. Information and advice Service, including disability rights, supports disabled people and carers to access the community, work, learning and playing independently; with choice, control and flexibility over their lives. Access Interest Group brings disabled people together to improve access for disabled people by addressing physical and attitudinal barriers. Carers’ Support Service provides free information and advice to anyone providing support to a family member, friend or neighbour because of age, illness or impairment. Children and Young People’s Service provides inclusive and accessible play and leisure opportunities and support. It runs DASH inclusive play and leisure sessions during holidays for disabled and non-disabled children between the ages of 3 to 16 years. Direct Payments Support Service provides a range of support about Direct Payments; one way to get more choice and control over social care support. Volunteer Project recruits and supports volunteers to work in DAD. Independent Living Hub offers support to disabled people to increase self-confidence; to identify and work towards personal goals. It also offers opportunities to meet new people, peer support and take part in a range of social activities. Independent Supporters working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and their families to increase choice and control.