Business Details
Supporting Independence for Disabled People in Darlington
We are Darlington Association On Disability (DAD), a local charity dedicated to promoting independence and choice for disabled people and carers. Our organisation has been actively supporting over 2,000 individuals annually through tailored services including advocacy, training, and information provision. We address systemic barriers affecting disabled people locally and nationally while empowering individuals to control their lives. Our team delivers specialist services such as Independent Advocacy, Direct Payments Support, and Disability Equality Training across the region.We operate the Centre for Independent Living and maintain strong community partnerships to enhance accessibility and inclusion. Our work extends to supporting children and young people through dedicated programmes while maintaining active campaigning efforts on disability rights. We prioritise user-led approaches and co-production in service development, ensuring our solutions remain relevant and impactful.
Services
Independent Advocacy
Direct Payments Support
Disability Equality Training
Personal Assistant Register
Travel Confidence Support
Children's Services
Peer Support Groups
Information Advice Service
Hate Crime Support
Welfare Benefits Guidance
Highlights and features
- We support over 2,000 people annually with tailored disability services
- We deliver specialist Independent Advocacy and Direct Payments Support
- Our team provides region-wide Disability Equality Training
- We operate Darlington's Centre for Independent Living
- Our user-led approach ensures services meet real community needs
Services
Independent Advocacy
Our Independent Advocacy Service empowers disabled individuals to express their needs and rights. We provide dedicated support for navigating healthcare, social care, and legal systems. This service ensures vulnerable voices are heard and respected in decision-making processes.
Direct Payments
We offer comprehensive Direct Payments Support to help individuals manage personal budgets effectively. Our guidance covers recruitment, payroll, and compliance for personal assistant arrangements. This service promotes financial independence and service customisation.
Disability Training
Our Disability Equality Training programmes educate organisations on inclusive practices. We deliver certified courses on reasonable adjustments and accessible service delivery. This training helps businesses meet legal obligations and improve accessibility.
Children's Services
The Children and Young People's Service provides tailored support for disabled children and their families. We offer mentoring, peer support groups, and transition planning assistance. Our programmes focus on developing independence and educational opportunities.
Personal Assistant Register
Our Personal Assistant Register connects individuals with qualified support workers. We maintain a database of vetted assistants with diverse specialisms. This service streamlines recruitment while ensuring quality care provision.
Questions
What services does DAD offer for disabled adults?
We provide Independent Advocacy, Direct Payments Support, Disability Equality Training, Personal Assistant Register, and access to our Centre for Independent Living.
Do you support children with disabilities?
Yes, our Children and Young People's Service offers mentoring, peer support groups, and transition planning assistance for disabled children and their families.
How can I access advocacy support?
Contact our office directly to discuss your needs and arrange an assessment for our Independent Advocacy Service.
Are your services free of charge?
Most core services are free as we're a registered charity. Some specialist programmes may have associated costs.
Do you provide training for businesses?
Yes, we deliver Disability Equality Training to organisations seeking to improve accessibility and meet legal requirements.
How can I get involved with DAD?
We welcome volunteers, donations, and partnership opportunities. Visit our website or contact us directly for involvement options.
