|
HISTORY OF DISABILITY INFORMATION AND ADVICE CENTRE (YORK)
Who are we and where did we come from?
The disability organisation from which DIAC has evolved, came into being in 1976 with the title, which would now be seen as politically incorrect, of The Standing Committee for the Disabled! The organisation was formed after the passing of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Act in 1970, in order to make people aware of their rights under the Act and to work to empower disabled people in York and the surrounding areas to improve the quality of their lives.
In 1998 as the Disability Rights and Resource Centre, the organisation became a Company Limited by Guarantee. Then in March 2000 we became a registered charity and in that same year moved premises from our tiny office at 6 Dewsbury Terrace, York to our present location in the Nursery Block of the Priory Street Centre. Here we have accessible accommodation, accessible toilet, hearing induction loop system and a car park for blue badge holders. In 2000 we went on the Internet and became able to communicate by e-mail to both clients and professionals.
In 2001 we finally became the Disability Information and Advice Centre (York) with a name to reflect the work the service provides.
During 2002 we started doing outreach work in the rural villages of York offering the DIAC service in village and Church halls. The work was prompted by client feedback from people in the rural areas and we know such work breaks down some of the barriers which exist to people in those areas.
During 2002 we constructed a web site which will make DIAC accessible to more disabled people who we hope will find our information useful and join us as members!
If you wish to support our work and aims you can become a member of DIAC which is free and entitles you to a free copy of our quarterly newsletter. Simply contact the office and we will send you a membership form.
|
