Darlington Association on Disability ^NGOs

Darlington Association on Disability is an organisation led by disabled people, which exists to promote independence and choice. DAD supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally. DAD manages a range of services and projects to support its aims including: Access interest Group: The Access Interest Group brings disabled people together to improve access for disabled people by addressing barriers created by both the physical and attitudinal environment Advocacy: Provides support to people who use or need to use social care services and who experience barriers in putting their views across. Children and Young People’s Service: A range of services for children, young people and their families including play and leisure services and a Young Leaders project Direct Payment Support Service: Support for disabled people to control their care needs by managing a payment from the local authority. We also have Employment Support in Middlesbrough Disability Equality Training: Promotion of the Social Model of Disability and the Equality Act Hate Crime Advocacy Service: Work in partnership with Show Racism the RED Card and Querkey. Together we support victims of hate crime and people with mental health needs who have been a victim of any crime Information and Advice: provides comprehensive and up to date disability information and advice to disabled people, carers, and members of the public. Independent Living Hub: A disability initiative offering education, training, self-development skills, social and leisure opportunities Mentoring for Independence supports young people, aged 13 - 25 years old, to learn Independent Living Skills, through the transition of being a child, to becoming a young adult. Peoples Parliament: A self-advocacy group supported by DAD Volunteer Project: Recruitment and supporting volunteers across DAD