Archive for the ‘News’ Category
-
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We trust everyone had an exceptional holidays season. We were sad but excited to see the year end as 2012 marks DDA’s 60th anniversary! It’s hard to believe that just 60 years ago a set of eager and wilful parents met in efforts to provide education and opportunities for their children, has now formed to what we know recognize as DDA.
One of my favourite quotes that never run old and truly evinces this achievement is from Margaret Mead, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
On behalf of DDA and the board, we want to thank our supporters, clients, and self-advocates throughout the years for making what DDA is today. We have a plethora of events to celebrate DDA’s big birthday and would be honoured to have you join us. Stay tuned for the details.
-
Accessibility Tip #148: A New Application for Travelers with Disabilities…
Taken from Sparc BC
Travelling with disabilities can often present a unique set of challenges that can often make it difficult or daunting to begin their journeys. However, such challenges did not prevent a man who is blind from climbing Mt. Everest, and it did not prevent Rick Hansen from wheeling across 34 countries, and four continents, averaging 85kms in his wheelchair each day on his Man of Motion Tour.
The Rick Hansen Foundation has set out to further revolutionize living and traveling for people with disabilities through their launch of the Rick Hansen Global Accessibility Map (GAM). Through the brainchild of Daryl Rock, the GAM is an easy-to-use online tool that rates the accessibility of buildings and public spaces around the world from a mobility, hearing, and sight accessibility perspective.
In 2005 the World Health Organization determined that there were 650 million people living with a disability. Currently in Canada people with disabilities have a discretionary spending capacity of more than 25 billion dollars. In the USA that number is more than 158 billion dollars. In addition, people with disabilities take on average 2.3 trips per year, each lasting 7 to 8 days.This online tool can make it infinitely easier to organize and plan travel, whether you’ll be traveling in with mobility aides, with a stroller, or with sight or auditory disabilities. The tool can be accessed by computers, iPads, iPhones, BlackBerry Torch, and Android devices.
For more information, please visit http://www.rickhansen.com/ or http://www.rickhansen.com/en-ca/home/globalaccessibilitymap.aspx
-
Calling all Vancouverites – Your Right to Vote on Nov 19
Just a friendly reminder for all Vancouverites that Saturday, November 19th is the City of Vancouver election. You have the opportunity to vote for one mayor, ten councillors for the Vancouver City Council, nine school trustees for Vancouver School Board and seven park commissioners for Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.
Our West 8th Day Program at 624 West 8th Avenue, will be one of the voting locations for Vancouver. We support elections and encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote.
For more information, please visit their website: http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/elections/2011election/
-
VOTE FOR DDA: Care to Change Contest
We are THRILLED to learn that DDA is a finalist for United Way’s Care to Change Contest.
Videos that exemplified how caring for others can create positive changes were encouraged. This is truly what DDA was all about, and as a result, submitted our PSA for consideration.
It’s not about the prizes, but about being able to advocate for something we strongly believe in and demonstrate how “perception” can change someone’s life. Please vote for DDA’s submission and advocate with us on our journey to enable people with devleopmental disabilities achieve their full potential!
Just TWO seconds of your time can make BIG changes, so start by voting us BY CLICKING HERE and spread the word!
-
Spike in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in BC
The Province recently released an article over the concerning spike in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome( (SIDS) in BC. Over 21 cases were reported to date this year, whereas last year, a total of 16 was reported for the entire year.
SIDS is when a healthy baby (under the age of 1) dies unexpectedly sleeping in bed. There are no signs of suffering and no particular reason explaining the death.
The current statistic is alarming so here are a few tips to protect your baby from this:
1. Avoid bed-sharing or sharing a sleeping surface with a baby. Instead, place the crib in the parent’s bedroom for the first 6 months
2. Ensure the crib is equipped with a hard mattress and a fitted sheet (also ensuring that the crib meets the Canadian safety standards)
3. Breastfeed (it provides a safe environment)
4. Lay the baby to sleep on its back, not front or side
5. Avoid exposing your baby from second-hand smoke
For more tips and questions, please consult your doctor.
Links & Resources
Recent Posts
- 10 Years and Counting
- HAPPY NEW YEAR!
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- Accessibility Tip #148: A New Application for Travelers with Disabilities…
- Calling all Vancouverites – Your Right to Vote on Nov 19