The Disabled Drivers’ Association of
Ireland (D.D.A.I.) was founded in 1970. It is an organisation of disabled people
working for disabled people, promoting independence and equal opportunity
through mobility. The association provides an extensive information, advice and
support service to members. Through its subsidiary, Ability Enterprises, it
provides education, training and employment opportunities for its members.
Membership
and Board Structure
DDAI is a company limited by guarantee and with charitable status. It has a national membership of approximately 5,500. Only people with disabilities can become full members. The association does not have a branch structure but operates offices in Ballindine, Cork and Dublin. Services of the Association are provided to all persons with disabilities.
All 8 board members (directors) are people
with disabilities. Rotation consists of resignation of 2 members per year. The
board holds 4 meetings per annum. There are no lower or upper age limits on
board membership.
Income and Expenditure
DDAI receives training funds through FAS. It obtains no central State or national lottery funding, but receives variable amounts from each of the health boards on a per capita basis for all individuals receiving training. It depends on voluntary fund-raising, membership subscriptions and donations. Its main fund-raising annual events include Bloomsweek in June, the sale of mistletoe and Santa badges at Christmas.
Staff
DDAI employs 5 full-time staff, 4 of whom
are administrative and 1 driving instructor. 40% of employees have physical
disabilities. It is the policy of DDAI to employ people with disabilities. All
staff have necessary qualifications. DDAI has no involvement with CE schemes. It
has no formal volunteer programme, however some members assist with
fund-raising.
Premises
DDAI has extensive office and training
facilities at Ballindine, Co Mayo. Ability Enterprise has fully equipped modern
computer technology facilities. Residential accommodation is available on-site.
DDAI has 2 specially adapted cars for driver training.
Services
Information
Services
DDAI operates a general information service
for members on all disability issues and entitlements. It also offers specialist
information and advice on all issues connected with disabled driving. For
example, DDAI informs members on how to obtain appropriate driving and parking
documentation, on motor insurance, on the purchase or adaptation of motor
vehicles, on claiming VAT, VRT, petrol refunds and on road tax exemption. The
association supplies the necessary application forms for these entitlements and
gives detailed written guidelines on how to complete them and puts members in
contact with relevant statutory and other agencies as required.
Publications
DDAI Web page: http://www.iol.ie/~ability/
0000000000000The association promotes its work through its annual magazine called Steering Wheel. It also has a membership badge and vehicle badge. It has a number of brochures and other information sheets about its range of services
Education Services
Driver Training
D.D.A.I. operates a Driving Assessment Centre
equipped with the very latest technology which includes Ireland’s only Static
Assessment Unit.
People with disabilities who wish to learn to drive may do so at the Ballindine Centre. DDAI offers a residential 3 week intensive training course for any person with a physical disability. The person learns to drive a suitably adapted car and may go on to apply for the driving test. This service, including accommodation and meals are provided free of charge to the learner driver. It is funded by a capitation fee from the regional health boards and DDAI resources.
Financial Assistance
DDAI has an educational bursary, established
as a memorial to Martin and Ann Donoghue, the association’s founders. This
bursary is available to members who wish to pursue a course in higher education.
RESOURCE / DISPLAY CENTRE
The DDA Resource /Display Centre exhibits various technical aids and appliances, lifts, stair lifts, vehicle adaptations, special seating, kitchen & bathroom adaptions together with a range of wheelchairs (manual and powered). The centre is open each weekday 9am to 5.30pm. It is of benefit to disabled persons, their families, occupational therapists and health care professionals.
Support
Services
Disabled Persons Parking Card
DDAI is accredited by the Department of the
Environment to issue the disabled person’s parking card.
Financial Assistance
DDAI operates a number of benefits attached to membership. For example, members can avail of discounts on the purchase of new cars, on ferry passages, on package holidays. DDAI operates a group scheme for VHI membership for its members. It also obtains motor insurance at competitive rates for disabled drivers through it’s own private car insurance scheme. Membership of DDAI gives free AA breakdown services to disabled drivers.
Recreation
Services
DDAI has a holiday bungalow in Wexford, and
a house in Ballindine which are available to members and their families at a
nominal rent.
Vocational
/ Employment Services
DDAI’s subsidiary Ability Enterprises
(founded in 1980) provides a range of training programmes, including work
experience, in the areas of computer and office skills. All courses are funded
through the European Social Fund (ESF) and have FAS (page 3 DDA under "Vocational/Employments services", "Center Based training" and Distance Learning)
approval. All give City
& Guilds of London certification, or equivalent, on successful completion.
Some of the courses are designed to enable people obtain employment as
teleworkers.
Centre Based Training
Ability Enterprises runs a centre-based
computer course at Ballindine. Among the courses on offer are business
applications of the microcomputer, computer literacy and information technology. Students
may live at the Ballindine complex during their training. No fees are charged
and students usually are paid an allowance. All participants in the training
programmes are given assistance and, if necessary, support to obtain and retain
mainstream employment.
Distance Learning
One of the courses run by Ability Enterprises is a distance learning programme, funded through FAS. Currently 19 people participate in a self-directed learning programme, with the support of a visiting tutor. This course lasts for 1 year, is accredited by FAS and City & Guilds of London Certification is awarded on successful completion
Transnational Opportunities
Ability Enterprises has also run training programmes, funded through the ESF with a transnational component, giving young Irish people with disabilities work experience opportunities abroad.
DDAI has cross-border links with disability organisations in Northern Ireland, the U.K. and also in a number of E.U. member states.
Community Action for Independence
Shopmobility Ireland is the organised provision of manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and scooters in a particular location to members of the public with limited mobility. Currently this service is available at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 and the Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork.
DDAI is committed to promoting the
independence of people with disabilities. It is an active advocate of disability
rights. DDAI has ongoing contact with politicians, health board officials and
government departments. It makes pre-budget submissions to the Minister for
Finance in relation to taxation issues affecting members and has been successful
in extending tax concessions and benefits to specific groups of people with
disabilities.
DDAI actively lobbies on various issues of
concern to its membership. DDAI believes that the political climate is more
conductive to dialogue; it constantly strives to bring about change for the
benefit of all who are disadvantaged by disability.
Self-advocacy
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