Past, Present, and Future
Founded in 1955...
By Mrs Phyllis Edwards, Diverse Abilities formed from a group of parents intent on providing better opportunities for their children with physical and learning disabilities.
The charity was born after Phyllis discovered untapped need, support, and common purpose amongst other families in Poole and Bournemouth facing similar challenges.
Diverse Abilities has grown steadily since it was established in 1955 and we are proud to be able to boast of having supported hundreds of adults and children over the years.
This would not have been possible without the tenacity of Phyllis, her family and everyone that has been involved with Diverse Abilities for the past 60 plus years.
1955 – 1959
1955 - Diverse Abilities was founded as Bournemouth, Poole and District Spastics Society
1956 - First centre opens in Bournemouth for two days a week
1959 - A centre is constructed in Poole, now Langside School
1960 – 1969
1967 - Langside was extended by the Seekers
1967 - Land was purchased for Edward House residential care home for adults
1970 – 1979
1972 - Construction of Edward House commenced
1974 - Edward House opened and a number of adults move in
1974 - Society renamed Dorset Spastics Society
1980 – 1989
1989 - Bungalow purchased to provide children’s respite
1990 – 1999
1991 - Edward House extended further
1994 - Barnabas – day opportunities hub for adults opens
1995 - Children’s short breaks service moves to 17 Manor Avenue and named Smithers
1997 - Society renamed to Dorset Scope
1997 - £120,000 lottery grant received to extend Barnabas
2000 – 2009
2000 - Barnabas extension opens
2002 - Changes in social care take place. Start closure of institutional residential care homes
2003 - Residents of Edward House moved into their own homes (Supported Living)
2006 - Edward House was sold
2007 - Langside awarded specialist school status
2010 – 2019
2010 - Name change to Diverse Abilities Plus
2011 - Coping with CHAOS and Disability Wessex merge with Diverse Abilities Plus
2015 - After a rebrand, Diverse Abilities celebrates 60 years of making a difference in Dorset.
2019 - Langside School celebrates its 60th birthday and we open Lawford Lodge.
The present
2020 has brought many challenges already, but we have adapted quickly to life within the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure we can continue supporting as many people as possible.
Click here to read our history book, released for our 60th anniversary.