Former ARC/RRC Association renamed to Diverse Abilities NS

The association for rehabilitation centres across Nova Scotia has been renamed to better capture its goal that persons with disabilities thrive and reach their full potential.

And Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre CEO, Judy Heffern, says it’s a move in the right direction.

The association, which represents adult residential and rehabilitation centres across the province, including the KRRC in Waterville, has been renamed as Diverse Abilities NS.

Heffern says this new name, replacing the former ARC/RRC Association title, will “help more people understand what we do.”

In a release, the centre says this new name will help people see how it strives to showcase the potential of every individual who receives support from the organization.

“Rather than focusing on disability, the new name emphasizes the abilities of the people being served,” it reads.

It also says the new name aims to reflect all individuals who receive support from the rehab, according to chairwoman Millie Colburne, and is accompanied by the tagline, “Communities Empowerment Choice.”

According to the release, this tagline “reflects the goal to support individuals to learn and develop the skills they need to enable their transition to other community living options.”

The association is part of a sector that provides community and facility-based living for 600 individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities and developmental disorders such as autism, chronic mental illness, addictions and acquired brain injuries.

The KRRC itself supports more than 200 clients in eight different programs at the centre, along with 10 community options homes.