History
Watch our founders remember how The Disability Resource Centre all started.
1989
The concept of a local resource centre is established by local disabled people.
Partnerships are formed with the local health authority and community trust.
Initial user engagement commences and a project group is formed.
1994
Charity created.
First employees.
Poynters House opens and welcomes first services and tenants.
Services provided: Information and Equipment.
1996
Poynters House opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester.
The Disability Resource Centre partnership model repeated all over the country.
Services provided: Information and Equipment.
1998
Bedford office opened.
Direct Payments Support Service commences.
NHS facility, Independence Square, opens.
Services provided: Information, Equipment and Direct Payments Support.
1999
The Disability Resource Centre receives national HSJ Award commendation for multi-agency partnership working.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Community Loans project.
2002
Information Outreach Service introduced.
Lord Howland becomes our Patron, who later succeeded to The Dukedom of Bedford.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support and Information Outreach.
2004
First BBC local radio interview held.
Direct Payments Support Service expands.
Transport Matters project commences.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2005
Milton Keynes Direct Payment Support Service commences.
The Disability Resource Centre is recognised by Department of Health and National Centre for Independent Living as providing best practice.
Information guide first published.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2007
Woburn Suite meeting rooms and conference facilities opened.
The Disability Resource Centre website launches.
The Disability Resource Centre wins local Equality and Diversity Training award.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2009
Marsh Farm Advice Service commences.
Enterprise Hub opened by His Grace,The Duke of Bedford.
The Disability Resource Centre becomes Department of Health National User-Led Action and Learning site.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2010
Northamptonshire Centre for Independent Living established in Corby and Northampton.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Disability Rights, Information Outreach and Transport Matters projects.
2012
The Disability Resource Centre becomes Paralympic Ambassador.
The Disability Resource Centre leads on Paralympic Flame events throughout Bedfordshire and Luton.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach and PA Training Academy.
2014
LuDun room opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
Health, Learning and Work team created.
First Scouts welcomed for Disability Awareness badge sessions.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, Employers and PA Training Academy.
2015
The Disability Resource Centre celebrates 21 years.
Advice transformation project pilots AdviceCentral.
The Disability Resource Centre service users receive Community Learners Award.
Services provided: Information, Equipment, Direct Payments Support, Carers’ Support, Information Outreach, Employment Support, Employers and PA Training Academy.
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Ramadan Mubarak from everyone at The Disability Resource Centre
As Ramadan begins, we at The Disability Resource Centre extend our warmest wishes to all our service users observing this sacred time. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, widely revered as one of the most spiritual and blessed months for Muslims around the globe.
Empowering accessibility: Introducing our ‘Chat and Collect’ service for disability equipment
Our ‘Chat and Collect’ service is tailored to make shopping for mobility equipment and supportive aids easier for you. We understand that leaving the house can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, which is why we’ve developed a personalised approach that allows you speak with our expert advisors before making the trip to see us.
Celebrating International Women’s Day: Inspiring inclusion at The Disability Resource Centre
On this International Women’s Day, The Disability Resource Centres supports the global theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ a call to action that resonates deeply within our charity. It’s a day to reflect on the progress made, call for changes, and celebrate the acts of courage and determination by women who have played extraordinary roles in the history of their communities.
Discover palliative care with Keech Hospice Care: Join our awareness and planning session
The Disability Resource Centre is delighted to be working in partnership with Keech Hospice Care. We will be delivering an end-of-life care advice and awareness session on Tuesday 26th March 2024.
Have your say on Luton Council’s adult social care travel assistance policy
Luton Council’s adult social care travel assistance policy consultation runs until Wednesday 27 March. Follow the link to the draft policy and complete an online survey…
Your open door to advice in Central Bedfordshire
AdviceCentral helps residents of Central Bedfordshire to find the best local and national advice on a wide range of topics including: