Individuals have a universal need for other people, groups and organizations that support their efforts to live a full and productive life. Those with disabilities, and those who live with or assist those with disabilities, can benefit from developing a list of individuals and groups who are reachable when assistance is needed. A list of names and phone number should be prepared and kept readily available for use as needed.
Individuals and groups chosen for a support network may share a similar need or interest or may be professionals offering services directed to specific needs, interests and/or circumstances.
Different situations may call for different members of your network. In one situation a close friend or family member might be the most appropriate resource; in another a third party, who is less directly involved, might be the right choice. That is why it is wise to grow your network in advance of the need, so that when a situation arises where support is needed, the specific resource will be easily accessible.
DETERMINE AREAS IN WHICH SUPPORT IS NEEDED:
- Education/Training
- Employment Search, placement, training
- Independent Living Transportation, Housing, Food, Financial assistance/advice, Social services including assistance with Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, Legal Consultation, Personal services, Emotional support, Self-management, Self-advocacy, Medical/physical
- Leisure/Recreation
- Socialization
- Respite a short interval of rest or relief
- Identification of resources and services
- Interpersonal support caregivers (including caregiver support), family support, stress & coping skills
DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT IS NEEDED. Different qualifications/backgrounds/levels of familiarity are required to provide different types of support. For instance, do you need:
Information
Instruction
Treatment
Guidance/Counseling, e.g., assistance in making choices,
Someone to talk to
share successes, concerns, frustrations, and
failures
CONSIDER THE ABILITY OF THE RESOURCE TO RESPOND AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. Supports chosen should be:
Available
Positive/healthy
Comfortable able to interact positively and not create undue
stress
Good influences
Honest
Qualified
Appropriate to your needs
Cost and time effective
CONSIDER SKILLS REQUIRED FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUPPORT NETWORK RELATIONSHIP:
Attitude
o Open.
o Willing to participate.
Communication - Good judgment/insightful/knowledgeable
o Listen and expect to be listened to.
o Offer positive, productive feedback and respond
appropriately when it is offered.
o Provide encouragement, nurturing and appreciation.
Rapport
o Commit to working together to resolve differences of opinion
and approach. Learn to adjust and make informed decisions.
o Cultivate respect for yourself and others.
o Build constructive relationships.
TYPES OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK:
Relatives
Professionals
o Caregivers
o Health care providers
o Mentors
School
o Teachers
o Classmates
o Parent Programs
o Student Organizations/Extracurricular Activities/Sports
Support Groups (one-on-one, group or online not school
affiliated)
o Parent Groups - Support groups exist for general and/or
specific disability groups.
o Groups organized through agencies, charities, and
organizations (disability specific and general).
o Online Support Groups
Community
o Neighbors
o Co-workers
o Religious organizations
o Cultural organizations
o Charities
o Friends
o Recreational participation, hobbies, sports clubs or teams
o Youth Service organizations
o Community volunteer work associates
UNDERSTAND POSSIBLE SOURCES FOR FINDING SUPPORT NETWORK MEMBERS:
People or groups with which you are already associated
Recommendations of people you trust
School recommendations
Internet (for local and nationally recognized disability
organizations)
Professional directories or recommendations
Community resource lists
Institutions of Higher Learning
Personal health care provider
DEVELOP A LIST OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NUMBERS Places to turn for immediate assistance in
crisis situations.
Crisis hotlines & Centers
Emergency Room (ER)
911
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