Why we do it
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
DSA’s 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 DSA BC 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.
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