What does DAS do?
DAS has been working at the heart of the East Suffolk community since 1985 supporting anyone with a disability related problem including their family carers. We provide impartial, free advice on welfare benefits (inc appeals representation); housing rights; adaptations to the home; accessible transport and leisure; employment and support for return to work; help in a crisis and our Listening Service.
Why the community needs us
It is our stated mission to build confidence and improve the lives of those experiencing disability related issues and their carers: "Enabling those who live with disabilities to gain the same rights and quality of life opportunities as others."
From welfare reforms to Covid-19, when negative things happen they have a worse effect on the disabled and they are worst of all for the disabled in rural areas.
Disabled people of all ages are often the most vulnerable in our society: directly stigmatised and struggling with social and rural isolation. Income deprivation resulting from welfare reforms and Covid-related issues such as unemployment, a lack of affordable transport have had a very negative effect on many, increasing isolation and reducing self-esteem.
Our impact on the community
In 2019 we handled over 6,000 enquiries, helped 1,200 clients and represented
200 more at appeal tribunals with a 92% success rate. We have excellent testimonials and a number of our volunteers are people who have benefited from the service in the past and want to put something back. Over two thirds of the staff and volunteers (inc the trustees) are disabled or elderly or both.
