The Disabled Sailing Association
21 November 2004 - 23:29
Many critics of modern society's treatment of people with disabilities fault the institutional culture that surrounds them with paid staff whose work fails to empower and creates passivity.
DSA with its paid staff and professional service is an institution, but we are actively engaged in efforts to avoid traditional problems of institutions. We want to encourage contributions, skill development and relationships, not suppress them.
The fact that we have a need of a highly skilled sailing staff to maintain safety in a potentially dangerous environment challenges us to create boundaries between our institutional staff needs and an empowering environment for personal responsibility.
DSA recognizes the distinction between impairment and disability. Impairment refers to a physical disorder of the body while disability refers to social conditions that prevent the person with an impairment from participating in the community. We believe that many of our problems stem from social conditions that do not support the aspirations of those with impairments. DSA, through its education outreach to the able-bodied sailors that share our sailing venues, changes the social environment to recognize the capabilities of and talents of out members.
We have also created equipment such as the Martin 16, our hoists, Sip 'n' Puff and auto helm/windlass controls to minimize the effects of impairment on sailing disabilities. We have demonstrated that even in an activity as unlikely as sailing, a change will result where impairment does not equal disability.
DSA hopes to demonstrate to the world a new paradigm in two areas:
1. The conduct of institutions to support, not suppress, relationships and personal assets; and
2. The creation of a social and physical environment that minimizes the disability of those who have impairments.
Our Core Values
DSAs core values guide our everyday decisions and actions. We believe in and promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of all individuals.
Relationships embodying the qualities of openness, acceptance, respect, and honesty.
The importance of working together to achieve healthy, inclusive communities.
The unique potential within all persons to learn, to grow, to care for others, to make their own decisions, to enjoy a fulfilling quality of life, and to contribute to their community.
Our Guiding Principles
We are a not-for-profit organization and depend on philanthropy, membership fees and the efforts of volunteers to fulfill our mission.
We believe that volunteers are essential partners in the development of people with significant disabilities and in the advancement of BC MOS in the community.
We believe in the potential of all individuals and the role each person plays in the growth of strong, healthy communities.
We offer programs that are healthy, safe and fun for our participants, staff and volunteers.
We provide programs structured to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Our programs are designed to stimulate personal growth and independence
We celebrate diversity.
We offer programs aimed at increasing leadership capacity and developing specific skill sets.
We believe in programs that encourage fun and laughter.
Contact Information
Head Office
Disabled Sailing Association of British Columbia
Box 27, Suite A304, 770 Pacific Boulevard South,
Plaza of Nations
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 5E7
Phone: 604-688-6464, Fax: 604-688-6463
http://www.reachdisability.org/dsa/
dsa@disabilityfoundation.org
