Significant dates in DAB's history.

1914    A group is formed to distribute material aid to blind people in Derbyshire, coinciding with the outbreak of the Great War.

1918    The organisation becomes active on behalf of blinded war veterans returning to Derbyshire from the trenches.

1922    DAB publishes its first Annual Report.

1968    DAB registers with the Charity Commission as a charity.

1985    A base is set up in the Area Offices of Social Services, Alvaston, Derby, manned by a blind member of staff.

1989    DAB becomes independent, leasing premises at 65 Nottingham Road, Derby.

    The Executive Committee is restructured to include visually impaired people.

1990    Official opening of DAB's first Resource Centre, in Derby.

First issue of large print Bulletin appears.

First holiday (to Lea Green) is organised.

1991    DAB expands into second building at 69 Nottingham Road.

First minibus is leased.

1992    First staff appointments (Office Manager and Transport Officer).

Social and recreational activities are consolidated into new Sports and Leisure section.


1993    Operations Manager is recruited.

A Home Visiting Service is introduced.

1994    A Mobile Resource Vehicle starts to tour the County.

The Training and Awareness section established.

Hospital Support and Information service piloted at the Derby Royal Infirmary and later extends to hospitals across Derbyshire.

1994    Branch office/resource centre is officially opened in Chesterfield.

The First Chief Officer is appointed.

1996 Community Care contract work starts in partnership with Derbyshire County Council Social Services Department.

1997    Lottery Grant to appoint Development Officer to facilitate the establishment of self-help groups, and to appoint a Fundraising Manager.

1998    Lease for 67 Nottingham Road taken up to accommodate the expansion in services.

1999    The Fundraising agreement with the RNIB ends and DAB becomes a fully independent charity.

The three Nottingham Road Offices in Derby are refurbished to make one integrated office block.

2000    Sightline, the 24/7 helpline and befriending service established.

A Minority Ethnic Communities study is undertaken to identify ways of serving these communities better.

2001    Resource centres in Bolsover, Ilkeston and Swadlincote open.

Start of Community Low Vision Aids service across Derbyshire.

2001    Incorporation of the Association as a Limited Company with Charitable Status.

2002    Minibus is obtained from the Derby Evening Telegraph and modified for use by visually impaired people through the fundraising of the Derby Lions.
 
2003    Bolsover Area Office developed to provide sports and leisure activities in the area.

2004    Resource Centre developed at Disability Direct, Normanton Road, Derby for the provision of services to people from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities.

Replacement Mobile Resource Centre vehicle with lowering suspension system launched with improved access people with mobility problems.

Training Officer appointed to provide visual awareness training to staff in other organisations.

2005    Access audits with regard to the needs of visually impaired people carried out for other organisations.

2006    Black Minority and ethnic integrated manager introduced

2007    Resource Centres in Bolsover and Chesterfield open

2008    Children’s department is started.

2009     Rehabilitation service introduced

    Introduction of home support service to assess individual needs and provide practical support