This page lists some of the key achievements that the DAA has had since its birth 3 years ago. These range from successes resulting from projects to the DAA being increasingly seen by members as a means of sharing information and networking.
Commissioning project – In spring 2015 the group delivered training sessions at the prestigious commissioning academy to influence public-sector commissioners of ‘independent living’ and to increase opportunities for DPULOs to compete for contracts. In addition, the DAA publication on Inclusive Communities was included in the commissioning academy’s resource bank for commissioners.
Digital Inclusion project – The group ran a survey about digital inclusion, and received over 200 responses. The final results were compiled into a report that was published in early December 2015.
Financial Support project – Following winning a Disability Smart award for their ‘life event’ page and the ‘Illness and Disability’ pages, developed in collaboration with the DAA, The Money Advise Service came back to the group for further support in revising their pages – this work is still on-going.
Public Appointments project – The group produced a ‘myth buster’ and Q&A document for disabled people interested in school governorships. This was published in December 2015 on the DAA and SGOSS websites.
Raising Disability Awareness amongst Children project – A resource pack for teachers was created and published and uploaded to TES and SEND gateway in November 2015. This resource pack is already attracting downloads, indicating interest from teachers.
Sports and Physical Activities project – The project group held a hugely successful half-day conference in November 2015. It brought DPULOs together with sports and leisure organisations, with DAA members having priority place. Over 70 organisations attended. This work is now being expanded with the project delivering training to DPULOs locally under the DAA brand.
Transport project – The group focused on delivering Disability Awareness training, which was incorporated into driver training at Blackpool Transport. This has led to significant customer service improvements in Blackpool and agreement from Blackpool Transport to champion this approach across industry.
Volunteering project – Following the launch of the DAA’s volunteering Charter in December 2014, 2015 saw pledges to the DAA Volunteer Charter increase from around 38 in February to over 120 organisations today. To celebrate this in December 2015, the group published case studies of people who have benefited as a result. Additionally DAA members the FED produced a video, and BlueAssist provided a statement of what they have done since pledging.
Work project – Evidence from DAA members, and importantly from Disabled People through those on the group, about what disabled people say best supports them to get and retain in work was provided to DWP at their request. This has encouraged other teams to engage collaboratively with the DAA, increasing direct engagement with disabled people in the development of public policy.
‘X’-card project – A survey was undertaken and the report was published in July 2015. This was followed up by a small conference with 5 speakers, which resulted in two DAA networks, recognition at an EU level that good work is taking place in the UK and increased partnerships between DAA members delivering cards or interested in the cards.
Sharing information amongst members is a key part of the DAA. Successes in increasing information sharing through the DAA website include:
- The DAA now has 10 resource pages on a range of subjects. These pages, often created in collaboration, allow members to share good practice and helpful resources. A further 2 pages are expected in the near future.
- Members are increasingly sending information about events through to be uploaded onto the DAA events calendar.
Networks and partnerships – New partnerships have been forged and networks born under the DAA umbrella. One of the latest examples is the Lancashire North West regional network, formed initially by 5 DAA members.
Our online presence is growing and with that so is our impact. People are increasingly engaging with the network on social media, across government and other sectors to bring about collaborative action.