Diverse Abilities Logo

Diverse Abilities

Diverse Abilities is the only charity in Dorset supporting children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities, and their families. Founded over 70 years ago, the charity has grown to now support over 2,000 families through our children's projects, sibling and parent support, care for adults with disabilities and advice service.

About Diverse Abilities


Disability support Physical disabilities Special educational needs (SEN) & neurodiversity Learning disabilities Health & Medical Neurodiversity Children & Education

Diverse Abilities is Dorset's disability charity - working to make every day better for children and adults with disabilities and special educational needs, with care and support at every stage of their life, giving families vital support.

The charity is particularly special as it works to support people throughout every stage of their lives.

Diverse Abilities has been caring for children and adults with disabilities, and their families, for over 70 years having been founded in 1955 by a local Mum.

We are fortunate that we are able to source funding from local authorities for some areas of our work, which is recognition of the charity’s highly regarded work providing invaluable and vital care. Other services we provide rely entirely on fundraising, meaning we must raise almost £1million every year.

Your Impact

Last year we supported almost 2,500 families caring for a child or adult with disabilities

We provided 430,000 hours of care

32 children with profound and multiple disabilities attend our specialist school, Langside School.

Over 650 children access our play sessions.

We ran 36 youth club evenings for teenagers with disabilities– from bingo to pancake parties, meals out to cinema trips.

We took 43 children to LegoLand and Chessington.

185 children visited our Christmas Grotto.

50 adults attend our therapy and activity centre, The Beehive, in Poole every week - the only centre in Dorset for adults with disabilities with an on-site nurse.

We provide 24 hours support for 33 adults with disabilities – helping them thrive in a home of their own.

48 siblings of children with disabilities attended our weekly STARs siblings group, dedicated to their needs

100 families enjoyed our Summer Fun Day with crazy golf, bouncy castles, sensory activities, facepainting, magic, and more.

Last year our advice team helped 1,594 people. This included 300 people with disabilities without a home.

Powered by GiveWheel

Start Charity Relationship

Register your business on GiveWheel for free. Add Diverse Abilities to your GiveWheel dashboard to centrally track all activity across your organisation. Monitor fundraising progress, engagement, milestones, and measurable impact in one place.

Want to support Diverse Abilities with a one-off donation? Donate here →
Diverse Abilities

Diverse Abilities

Diverse Abilities is the only charity in Dorset supporting children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities, and their …

Visit website