Diverse Abilities Plus is an independent local Dorset not for profit organisation supporting the needs of children, young people and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Disabilities that are often complex and profound. www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk

1. Marilyn Edwards Marilyn was born in 1948. It took 2 years to diagnose her disability. “Put her away she will only be a cabbage,” her mum was told.

2. The Journey Begins After pressure from specialists and the lack of support Mrs Edward reluctantly had to take their advice and in 1954 Marilyn went away to a large institution near Southampton.

3. 50 Years of Diverse Abilities Plus Mrs Edwards placed an Advert in the Echo – “I am trying to trace parents of spastic children who live in the area, with the idea of forming a parent group. Anyone who is interested would they please write to me”. Mrs P.J Edwards

4. The First Meeting The second advert produced 9 replies 30 people attended the first meeting and the society was born

5. Bournemouth & District Group National Spastics Society Within two months officials and committee appointed Primary aim was the establishment of a day centre for spastic children May 1955

6. Stafford Road February 23rd 1956 the Rest Centre was opened Physio and speech therapists were employed Open on Monday to Thursday with running costs of £12 per week!

7. Stafford Road Rest Centre

8. Next step – Langside Centre On Feb 23rd 1959 the construction of Langside Centre started The Centre opened on the 31st Oct 1959 and cost £5000 Day Special School for 15 children

9. Langside School today – 30+ pupils

10. Langside School

11. Langside – Adventure Playground

12. Next step - Edward House 1972 construction begins March 18th 1974 the first residents were admitted and accommodated 16 adults.

13. Edward House – first residents

14. Edward House

15. Edward House – opening of extension (yes, that’s Matt Munro!)

16. 1983 Friends of Edward House formed. Main aims: Fundraising / Jumble Sales Social Evenings Christmas Dinner

17. Ensbury Park – more children’s services May 1989 a bungalow was purchased Providing respite care for children.

18. Barnabas – Adult Day Opportunities 1992 St Barnabas site was purchased in Alderney September 1994 Day Opportunities opened.

19. Barnabas

20. Smithers Short Term Breaks 1995 Children's respite transferred to 17 Manor Avenue.

21. Soft Play Area – purchased with MG1020 donations

22. Name Change May 1997 renamed to: Dorset Scope With a new strap-line Breaking Disability Barriers Exploring New Horizons

23. Supported Living With the closure of residential homes beginning in 2002 the first people moved into their own home. With £1.6m of charity funds invested in the project.

24. Happy in my own home – quote “I can’t believe it!”

25. Happy in my own home – after 78 years of institutional care…..

26. Shapes – Domiciliary Service A further development to Children’s Services ‘Shapes’ Domiciliary Service opens in 2005 providing support in children’s own homes.

27. 15th April 2010 Change from Dorset Scope to Diverse Abilities Plus A change to acknowledge the diverse range of people that we are able to support and the diverse range of services that we are able to offer.

28. The Founding Edwards Family