DORSET
ASSOCIATION FOR THE DISABLED
(Branches throughout Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole)
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D.A.D.
County Office |
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The Dorset
Association for the Disabled, affiliated to RADAR, was set up in 1951
to provide additional services and social amenities for people with disabilities
in the county of Dorset. It has always aimed to complement and supplement
services provided by statutory welfare authorities, with whom the Association
liaises closely. Twelve Branches across the county give help and information
to people with disabilities and to their carers.
Voluntary Branch Committees run social and some handicraft clubs, outings,
a visiting service to housebound people and an advisory service to disabled
members and families in many varied ways. Several Branches own minibuses
adapted with powered tail lifts and manned entirely by voluntary drivers
and escorts. Branches raise funds for their local activities by flag days,
sales of work, coffee mornings, car boot sales, raffles etc.
County Office arranges an Annual Carol Service and a biennial Handicraft
Exhibition and Sale, held in high regard by the members as social reunions
with other Branches. The Dorset Directory of Services for Disabled People
is researched and published every three years, as is The Dorset Loo Guide.
A public telephone information service is available and an anwerphone
operates after office hours.
County Office's ongoing concern is funding for D.A.D.'s work which is principally by public generosity in donations both large and small. All contributions are more than welcome and gift aid tax on donations is recovered wherever possible.
Any disabled person living in the county of Dorset may join D.A.D. A small annual subscription entitles them to all D.A.D.'s services, plus a three monthly Newsletter of local, regional and national interest to disabled people. Associate members are parents, relatives and friends of disabled people, or anyone else concerned to support the needs of people with disabilities.
Further information can be obtained from The Dorset Association for the Disabled at the County Office address and telephone number at the top of the page, or contact your nearest Branch Secretary using the appropriate contact address and telephone number shown on the Yearbook page.