Developmental Disabilities Association
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dda604.bsky.social
Developmental Disabilities Association
@dda604.bsky.social
The Developmental Disabilities Association maximizes the potential of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through life-long programs, support, and advocacy in Vancouver and Richmond, BC. www.develop.bc.ca
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🎄Happy Holidays from all of us at DDA!🎄

As we wrap up the year, I want to thank our followers and subscribers for being part of our community. Your support, curiosity, and engagement mean more than you know. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and an inspiring year ahead. 🎅

Mark Zuberbuhler, CEO
🎄Happy Holidays from all of us at DDA!🎄

As we wrap up the year, I want to thank our followers and subscribers for being part of our community. Your support, curiosity, and engagement mean more than you know. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and an inspiring year ahead. 🎅

Mark Zuberbuhler, CEO
December 19, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Carrie, who is neurodiverse, recently found meaningful employment at Mercato di Luigi with support from DDA’s employment service, Jobs West.

Every year, Jobs West places dozens of people in jobs, and the success rate is REALLY high! #inclusion #diversity

www.develop.bc.ca/success-stor...
Success Story: Carrie at Mercato di Luigi - Developmental Disabilities Association
Carrie joined the team at Mercato di Luigi in August, and it’s been a wonderful fit from the very beginning! With a long-standing passion for baking and a keen interest in working in a professional ki...
www.develop.bc.ca
December 17, 2025 at 5:59 PM
🎄🎄It's starting to look a lot like Christmas!🎼🎅

Naturally, that means rocking around the Christmas tree like residents, staff, and family at our Curzon group home in Richmond!

Let the egg nog flow!! ❄️☃️

#happyholidays2025 #family #friendship
December 16, 2025 at 7:31 PM
We were recently named Association of the Year at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards! 🏆

The future of the DDA is bright, with a focus on innovative initiatives, community engagement, and continued support for our clients.

www.richmond-news.com/sponsored/ri...
Richmond's biggest business night marks chamber's centennial year
Developmental Disabilities Association awarded Association of the Year at Business Excellence Awards 2025
www.richmond-news.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:26 PM
The province has added protections for parents when it comes to paying for child care.

As of April 1st, 2026, child care providers in the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative cannot charge extra fees until 9.5 hours of care per day are up. #BC #childcare #families

news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...
Protecting parents from extra daily child care fees
Guideline updates set 9.5 hours minimum of care before extended-hour fees apply
news.gov.bc.ca
December 15, 2025 at 10:07 PM
🎁In this season of giving, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our many donors, including Andrew Sheret Limited. Their Richmond location has once again chosen DDA to support, matching donations of staff and clients. 🎄

Happy Holidays!

#seasonofgiving #happyholidays2025
December 15, 2025 at 6:56 PM
🏆For the first time, a person with a cognitive disability and limited verbal communication is awarded the Turner Prize - Britain's highest honour in the art world. 👩‍🎨🎨

#art #artist #autismawareness #disabilityawareness #inclusionmatters #FridayFeeling www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/12/12/a...
Acclaimed Prize Goes To Artist With Autism, Limited Verbal Communication
One of the most prestigious contemporary art awards in the world is for the first time going to an artist with a developmental disability.
www.disabilityscoop.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM
🎄The season of giving is here!

Every quarter, DDA management gets together for professional development and general team building.

This December, part of that was a fun gingerbread house-making competition (no wagering was involved).

Happy Holidays!
December 12, 2025 at 12:30 AM
🎄✨ Spreading Holiday Cheer! ✨🎄

This morning, several of our amazing DDA Child Development Centre managers took part in the 38th Annual Pan Pacific Christmas Wish Breakfast, supported by Global BC.

#panpacificwishbreakfast #DDACommunity #givingseason #globalbc #holidayspirit
December 10, 2025 at 9:29 PM
When it comes to Christmas, visiting the Jolly Old Elf can be tricky. While DDA does not endorse products, virtual Santa visits are available as an alternative to big, loud shopping mall settings.

We suggest researching one that is appropriate for you.
#SensoryFriendlySanta

www.visitwithsanta.com
Book A Virtual Santa Visit From Home | Visit With Santa
Book a one-on-one virtual Santa visit this Christmas with a live video chat that kids will cherish. Meet Santa right from home and make amazing memories.
www.visitwithsanta.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:28 PM
🎄The holidays are an amazing time for get-togethers with friends and family, but for some in the neurodiverse community, it can feel overwhelming.

Healthy Family Living Vancouver has put together a list of sensory-friendly holiday activities.

healthyfamilyliving.com/sensory-frie...
SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY EVENTS NEAR METRO VANCOUVER - Healthy Family Living in Metro Vancouver
Holiday magic for everyone! Check the schedule so you don't miss out on sensory-friendly holiday events & Santa visits across Metro Vancouver.
healthyfamilyliving.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A great article from the NAPA Center about sensory toys that might make good presents this season! 🎁🎄❤️ #tistheseason #seasonofgiving #presents #sensoryfriendly napacenter.org/sensory-toys...
28 Best Sensory Toys Recommended by Occupational Therapists
Looking for the best sensory toys? Explore 28 occupational therapist-recommended sensory toys to support and engage your child or toddler.
napacenter.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
At DDA, our biggest driver for the people we support is INCLUSION. ❤️

In the late summer, our videographer created a wonderful hiking video that involved several of our Day Program participants. It was a great opportunity for Simon to really get involved. 🎤

www.develop.bc.ca/simon-shines...
Simon Shines as Narrator in DDA Video - Developmental Disabilities Association
When Simon was invited to take part in a new hiking video to showcase DDA Day Programs, he jumped at the opportunity.
www.develop.bc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Inclusion matters...even in space! 👩‍🦽‍➡️🚀https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/12/09/in-first-wheelchair-user-set-to-go-to-space/31768/
December 9, 2025 at 8:18 PM
🎁The DDA Family Support Program is beyond grateful to receive a donation of gift cards from Vancouver Firefighter Charities! This donation will allow DDA to support some of our families in need this Holiday season. Thank you to Eric and his team; we appreciate all you do for our community! 🎄
December 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM
🎄The holidays can be big and bright, and of course, fun! However, not everyone interprets or reacts to things in the same way.

Here are some helpful tips to make sure our neurodiverse loved ones are included.😊

#inclusionmatters #happyholidays #christmas2025
December 8, 2025 at 6:37 PM
❤️Need a little Monday motivation? One of DDA's longest-serving staff members is hanging up her skates. After 44 years of supporting the people in our community, Carol says goodbye!

Congrats Carol!🫶

#mondaymotivation #retirement

www.develop.bc.ca/celebrating-...
Celebrating Dedication at DDA - Developmental Disabilities Association
Every year, we honour staff who mark key milestones in their employment at DDA. Whether one year or ten, we value them all.
www.develop.bc.ca
December 8, 2025 at 5:02 PM
⭐️From our latest Star magazine⭐️

Our Assistive Tech department takes a look at Busy Shapes - an iOS app that helps users recognize shapes and learn problem-solving skills. 🕹️ #AssistiveTechnology #learning #learningapp #developmentaldisabilities

www.develop.bc.ca/tech-review-...
Tech Review - Busy Shapes - Developmental Disabilities Association
In this DDA Tech Review, we check out Busy Shapes - an iOS app designed to teach shape recognition.
www.develop.bc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 11:32 PM
❄️ Winter Edition of DDA’s STAR Magazine Is Here! ❄️

We’re excited to announce that the Winter Edition of DDA’s STAR Magazine is out now!

Happy Holidays!🎄

www.develop.bc.ca/the-dda-star...
The DDA Star - Winter 2025 Edition - Developmental Disabilities Association
Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of our Star Magazine! The last few months have been busy, and it's been a nice warm spring - let's hope that means a nice hot summer full of fun!
www.develop.bc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Caregivers are essential.❤️

They make independence, inclusion, and quality of life possible for people with disabilities.

Recognizing that the sector often falls short in filling these essential jobs, the US is looking to AI to help. #AI
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/12/02/t...
To Address Disability Caregiver Crisis, Feds Look To AI
Federal health officials are launching a multimillion-dollar competition to attract new ideas for how technology can transform caregiving for people with disabilities and others.
www.disabilityscoop.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:29 PM
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate inclusion, accessibility, and the strength of diversity everywhere. At DDA, we remain committed to building a world where everyone belongs and has equitable access to opportunities.

#IDPD2025
www.develop.bc.ca/december-3rd...
December 3rd – International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Developmental Disabilities Association
The Developmental Disabilities Association has been at the forefront of community living and inclusion for over 70 years.
www.develop.bc.ca
December 3, 2025 at 10:28 PM
🌍 December 3rd - International Day of Persons with Disabilities

This day is a reminder that accessibility is not an option — it’s a fundamental human right.

Inclusion is not achieved in a single day; it’s built through daily choices, empathy, and action.

#IDPD2025

www.un.org/en/observanc...
International Day of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations
The International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development.
www.un.org
December 3, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Don't miss out!! Wednesday, Dec 3rd is the Open Door Group EveryBODY Inclusive Market! Several DDA artists will be taking part in the event. See you there!!

✅Wednesday, December 3, 2025
✅11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✅Exhibition Hall, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver

www.opendoorgroup.org/events-and-m...
Project EveryBODY Inclusive Market Fair 2025
“The Project EveryBODY Market Fair is such a meaningful and magical experience. It’s a place where everyone feels connected, and there’s always something special to discover.” – A.D, Project EveryBODY...
www.opendoorgroup.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Another BC government post...the inaugural annual report under the Child Care Act has been released. The Act has aimed to reduce fees and expand access to licensed child care for BC families. #childcare #families #future #Update #progress
news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202...
Highlighting progress toward ChildCareBC goals
Province releases first annual report under the Early Learning and Child Care Act
news.gov.bc.ca
December 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM