Association of Adult Residential and Regional Rehabilitation Centres Announces Launch of New Name and Brand Identity

HALIFAX, Sept. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The Association of Adult Residential and Regional Rehabilitation Centres, who collectively provide a wide array of services and residential supports for over 600 persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia, announced today the launch of a new name and brand identity. The association will now be known as Diverse Abilities NS. Among the other changes will be its logo, domain name (diverseabilitiesns.ca) and the introduction of the tagline, Communities. Empowerment. Choice. 

"The Association felt it was important to have a more modern name that more accurately reflects the range of people supported by our organizations and the breadth of expertise and services that we offer in addition to residential supports," says Millie Colbourne, Chair of Diverse Abilities NS and CEO of Breton Ability Centre. "Likewise, our new tagline reflects our goal to support individuals to learn and develop the skills they need to enable their transition to other community living options."

The Association of ARC/RRCs (now known as Diverse Abilities NS) supports a broad range of individuals with moderate to severe intellectual and/or physical disabilities, chronic mental illness, addictions, and acquired brain injuries. They provide a continuum of progressive services and supports that are designed to empower people with diverse abilities to make their own choices, participate in decision-making, and to be contributors to and participate in their local community.  While services may vary across organizations, collectively the sector currently provides community based and facility based independent living services; outreach programs; vocational programs; adult service centres; day programs; recreation programs; positive behaviour support programs; Low Arousal behaviour management services; and respite care. 

"The individuals that we support have complex challenges associated with their diagnosis.  These range of services are designed to respond to those challenges and help ensure our residents achieve their full potential, enable their inclusion in community, and to live as independently as possible, says Colbourne." 

Joyce d'Entremont, CEO of the Meadows Community in Bridgetown, says the Association members are very excited about this change and that it marks a pivotal point in their future direction as providers of services to persons with disabilities. "We are advocates for our residents and want to help the overall sector move forward in a positive way to enrich the lives of persons with disabilities.  We share a common commitment to inclusive community living and as such, all have a responsibility to promote understanding and acceptance of our residents in the community and to ensure they develop the skills they need to live independently."

The Association chose to launch its new brand identity in conjunction with Continuing Care Month, a month-long recognition of the importance of the Continuing Care and Disability Support Program Sectors and the differences their many dedicated employees are making in the lives of Nova Scotians who access these services. The annual awareness campaign held each September also aims to encourage people to learn more about the continuing care programs and services available to Nova Scotians across the lifespan.

Diverse Abilities NS is a voluntary, non-profit, member-based association of organizations who work together to support people with varying abilities to reach their greatest potential and to live as independently as possible. This includes seeking ways to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities by collaborating with individuals, groups, organizations and government; seeking opportunities to promote a positive image of their members; utilizing collective skills and knowledge in planning for the future; providing opportunities and encouragement for employees to gain education and knowledge which will assist in the provision of services; and promote the understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities. The membership of Diverse Abilities NS is made up of all the ARC/RRCs across the province.

SOURCE Association of Adult Residential and Regional Rehabilitation Centres

For further information: Media Contact: Mary Donovan, Director, Member and Partner Engagement, Health Association Nova Scotia, 902-832-8513, 902-292-2761