About Children Adults Advice Get Involved Careers Donate 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. <br/> 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. View our privacy policy View our cookies policy View our gender pay gap statement Remote System Logon HR Self Service COVID Test Reporting Career opportunities CONTACT US Diverse Abilities Central Office Langside School Langside Avenue Poole BH12 5BN 01202 718266 info@diverseabilities.org.uk | fundraising@diverseabilities.org.uk We do not store credit card details nor do we share customer details with any 3rd parties. Charity no. 282197 | Company no. 1540805 | VAT no. 256689746 By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively.