History

Originally called Hertfordshire Association for the Welfare of The Handicapped HAD was set up in 1958 by the then welfare department of the County Council to supply equipment to disabled people.

The original organisation was a federation of existing local groups and others were encouraged until there was a committee of HAD in every town in Hertfordshire. Two members of staff working from an office in St Albans oversaw the provision of equipment and other services and supported and encouraged the local committees.

HAD returned to the provision of equipment when the Easier Living Exhibition was opened in 1989, now with two full-time members of staff, the service has grown over the years and sees approximately 100 visitors every week. It offers an occupational therapy service plus retail and ordering services. A recent extension to the service was the purchase of a 7- ton lorry, which with another two members of staff provides an equipment information and advice outreach service to shopping centres and supermarket car parks in Hertfordshire. The lorry also provides a service to Adult Care Services day centres. HAD is currently negotiating for funding to purchase a second vehicle.

The Association’s name was changed to Hertfordshire Association for the Disabled in 1971 and by then had three full-time and one part time members of staff. In 1988 HAD moved to The Woodside Centre in Welwyn Garden City. The increased amount of space in this converted school allowed the creation of the Easier Living Exhibition. In 1999 HAD took over more of the space in the building to house the exhibition of bathing equipment and the multi-sensory room. At the same time we refurbished and extended the offices.

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