Job Description:

The Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) is a not-for-profit organization seeking a diligent and detail oriented individual to join our organization as the Communication and Design Coordinator. This is an entry level position working mainly Monday – Friday 8-4 but will require flexible hours as needed for projects.

Reporting directly to the Communications & Marketing Manager, the Communications and Design Coordinator will be responsible for the development and maintenance of all design and communication related requests. This individual should be familiar with new media technologies, have a keen eye for detail and design, and have a strong urge to effect positive change in our society through working at the Developmental Disabilities Association.

Requirements:
Technical Requirements and Experience:
- Proficient working with Adobe Creative Suite 4 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) Word and Excel in a PC environment
- Capable of basic programming in html and CSS

- Preference will be given to candidates with a diploma or degree in Design, Interactive Arts, Communications, Marketing, or a related field preferred: familiarity with social media a plus

- Print and/or web portfolio demonstrating creative aptitude and technical knowledge
- A minimum of 3 years experience designing and/or developing print material

-Print and /or web portfolio demonstrating creative aptitude and technical knowledge

-Demonstrated competence in desktop publishing, document layout, and graphic and design layout

-Experience with social media
-Office experience
-communications writing

Responsibilities and Duties:
- Develop and maintain print creatives including graphics, presentations, posters, brochures, newsletters and publications
- Liaise with departments to coordinate communication needs
- Self-set goals and work independently with minimal supervision
- Prioritize and manage multiple disparate projects in tight timelines
- Manage inventory and website

“Must haves”
- Strong work ethic with utmost integrity
- Self-motivated, passionate, approachable, and a desire to excel and succeed
- Outgoing, energetic, personable attitude

You can view our website www.develop.bc.ca to find out more about us first. We have a great benefit package. If you truly would like to make a difference, we are the association for you.

Additional Comments:
To apply forward a cover letter and resume quoting the job title and a minimum of 3 portfolio samples by May 7, 2012 to:plazaro@develop.bc.ca or fax to: 604-273-9772.

Please note if you email, you need to enter the job title in the subject line as well as in your cover letter.

Contact:
Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA)
Pandora Lazaro – Human Resources Coordinator
Phone: 604-233-5405
Fax: 604-273-9772
Email: plazaro@develop.bc.ca
Website: www.develop.bc.ca

On April 4th, 2012, we had over 300 women (and a few men) attend the much-anticipated Spring Fashion Extravaganza. The entire floor of the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel was buzzing with excitement and discussions about the coveted silent auction items beautifully placed in the foyer. Perhaps the most coveted prize was the two flights anywhere West Jet flies. With a purchase of one of the 100 luggage tags of $50.00, participants get a chance to win two free flights. Bermuda anyone?

As guests took their seat in large ballroom, they were greeted by the Committee’s President, Glennis Deslippe as she thanked the sponsors and supporters for making the event a reality before she introduced emcee Norma Reid, CTV Morning Live anchor for the afternoon. Guests were treated to a delicate assortment of pastries, sandwiches and tea as they enjoyed a boardroom to  evening  fashion show by Malene Grotian. Tea, fashion and girlfriends, what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

With all its entertainment and glam, the event stayed in focus by consistently reminding guests of the nature of this event and the cause they are supporting. With the $17,000 raised towards our Infant Development Program, we will be able to purchase new physiotherapy equipment, and support more children, alleviating the wait list number.

Thank you to the Vancouver Chinatown Lionness Committee, supporters, and attendees for participating in this event. We are truly appreciate of your support.

For more pictures, please visit our Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/dda604

The teachers from Creekside went outside their comfort zone on  a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  They headed to the Richmond Curling Club to pick up a broom to “sweep”, to push a “rock” down a sheet of ice and hope that it ends up in the “button” which is the middle of the bullseye.

We were given instruction by Yadranka, who is one of the coaches at the club and then we were let free to curl for 2 hours.

It was a great bonding experience for all of us and created a wonderful atmosphere for teamwork.

Here are some tips to ensure that your donations are benefiting the intended recipient. These tips were taken from the CityNews Toronto article, Where Do Your Charitable Donations Really Go?

**Ask for a copy of their annual report and get some written information before sending anything.

**If you’re being solicited by phone, ask if they’re calling from a marketing organization. Many charities farm out their fundraising to companies who do the calling, and some of your money may be going to pay them for their trouble. Some legitimate places also take your money to pay for administrative costs as well as helping the needy.

**Don’t give in to high pressure tactics. Reputable charities may play on your sympathy, but they shouldn’t turn the screws to make you give.

**Never send cash or make a cheque out to the person asking for your donation.

**Check to see if physical charities, like clothing donation drop-off boxes, actually give those donations to the needy or resell them for a profit.

**Keep a record of what you’ve already given. Charities often send out multiple appeals throughout the year and you may have forgotten who you’ve already donated to.

**Beware of claims that all proceeds go to charity. Sometimes that means after expenses are covered.

**Get the organization’s registration number, which is required by law. If you want to check on a charity, call Revenue Canada at 1-800-267-2384, or you can search for them online

Though most bins appear to be run by charities, there are unfortunately only a handful that truly are. For-profit bins work together with other charities to use their logo as a guise in exchange for a small percentage of profit to the charity. Our seal will hope to distinguish ourselves from these bins, and remind donors that these bins are lifelines to us and to the community we serve. Charities who are like us include Big Brothers, Canadian Diabetes Association and Salvation Army. We support their causes and encourage you to donate to them should a DDA bin not be within reach. Please also be reminded that DDA offers complimentary home pick up service in case there is not a bin in your neighbourhood. Please feel free to give us a call at 604.273.4DDA or visit our website for a list of bins in your neighbourhood.

We can’t wait to commemorate our bin hosts, especially those who have been with us for the past 10 years! At DDA, we have a lot to be grateful for. Just like those MC Hammer Pants or the big permed hair, it’s always fun going down memory lane to reminisce the good old times. Take a stroll in our gallery and see how our donation bins have evolved over the years.  

For a list of our donation bins across the Lower Mainland and how to donate to us, please visit our website here.

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.

The event will be filled with activities, dancing, door prizes, and food! We hope you too can join us in celebrating the wonderful achievements and spreading the word about inclusion for everyone.

Event: 2011 International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011

Time: 2:00 pm to 7 :00pm

Location:  Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.vancouverdisabilitiesday.ca/

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

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/