RICHMOND CENTRE FOR DISABILITY
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Mission Statement
The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is not-for-profit, disability-led and community-based, providing service to entire communities on disability issues. The RCD’s purpose is to give people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the community to the fullest extent of their ability and to improve their quality of life by working for – Inclusion, Independence & Empowerment. Our mission statement: The RCD is committed to creating opportunities to empower people of all abilities to participate confidently with dignity in their community and achieve independence to their fullest capabilities. We offer a friendly environment to provide information, resources, training and support, as well as increase public awareness and promote universal accessibility.
About This Cause
The RCD provides direct services to people with disabilities. Our purposes are: a) To improve the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities in the community by: - Increasing awareness through education, by providing educational sessions, workshops and seminars for the general public and people with disabilities. - Being a source of information on matters related to people with disabilities. - Identifying the needs of people with disabilities and the issues that impact them in the community. b) To act as a voice for people with disabilities in Richmond. c)To facilitate or undertake projects, such as an information and resource centre, programs or services as may be required to achieve the charitable purposes of the Society. The need for specialized centralized information & resources in this area for people with disabilities was first identified by the RCD in the late 1980’s. The RCD has developed the Centre in a manner that has avoided duplication of already existing services in the region; we worked to provide the services that were needed but not available. Working in partnership with people with disabilities and community organizations, the RCD has ensured the "vision" of Independent Living is the guiding factor in all decision making. RCD Key Message: The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is a resilient organization within an often challenging funding environment. We are participant-focused and committed to empowering our diverse, cross-disability membership. We do this by remaining approachable and responsive to member and stakeholder needs. Our flexible and resourceful Centre staff work collaboratively with our participants. Thanks to this teamwork, and through our many activities and services, we regularly witness our members’ MOVING FORWARD with perseverance in self-determination and growth toward independence. Organizational Vision: All people, regardless of their abilities, will maximize independence with confidence and dignity. The RCD offers an IL Program which provides specialized services to people with all types of disabilities. The concept of the program is anchored on Independent Living (IL) which is a vision, a philosophy and a movement of persons with disabilities and is founded on the right of people with disabilities to live with dignity in their chosen community; to participate in all aspects of their life; and to control and make decisions about their own lives. The IL approach differs from a traditional service providing model by emphasizing peer support, self-direction, self-determination and community integration by and for people with disabilities themselves. The mainstay of RCD L Program has four core service areas: Information and Networking, Skills Development, Recreation and Community Engagement. It forms the infrastructure of our program delivery, whereas appropriate services and activities will be researched, sought after and/or formulated based on community needs, opportunities arisen as well as the level of matching to the organizational capacity. It is our mandate that most of the services offered at the RCD are inspired and initiated by strategic responses to community needs and issues identified through their members, community leaders, government initiatives and disability organizations, based on the criteria that RCD is community-based and participant-centered. All of our activities are inclusive to people with diverse abilities and cross disabilities, and most are affordable as at no cost or at a nominal fee for cost recovery. Information & Networking – We provide specialized information and networking services pertaining to disability and accessibility issues, of clear and up-to-date information on resources and options accessible to persons with disabilities, their families, friends, community and support networks. We support self-determination concept for people with disabilities to take control of their own lives, through making informed decision, nurturing peer support, and establishing a strong support network. Skills Development – We offer opportunities for self-help, learning skills, employment skills, personal growth, individual empowerment, dealing with barriers and taking control of your lives through enrichment of skills and knowledge. The program also provides learning opportunities for dealing with barriers and discrimination so that persons with disabilities can know their rights and responsibilities, and can access services and training opportunities to live and participate in society. Recreation – We encourage active lifestyle to reduce individual isolation, support community engagement and human interaction, as well as having fun and good health. Community Engagement – The RCD responds promptly to community needs and by working together with individuals, community organizations, governments, and businesses, gaps in service can be determined and new options and solutions can be created. Community Engagement activities can include, but are not limited to: conducting collaborative projects with community partners, working with governments, disability awareness training and facility/web accessibility audits; and participating in community events, festivals, job fairs, and more.