Natural Supports: Question?

What are natural supports that I hear talked about at school meetings and parent forums?

These supports are a critical factor in promoting the independence and self sufficiency of our children. They provide the necessary resources and associations that can be accessed as needed. These include a network of friends, family, fellow students, school employees, co-workers at the work place, fellow members of clubs and associations, emergency services, and civic organizations.

Life Is All About Relationship

In all of our lives we have friends, co-workers, and family to whom we may turn at times of need for guidance and support. We tend to take this support system for granted at times, but how did we really establish this network?

Community and personal support affect many areas of our life. These supports are a “natural” result of mutual interests, and the competency and skill of the person is “naturally” enhanced as a result of this nurture and support. This is done both individually and in a group setting. These supports change and evolve over time.

These are reciprocal relationships, developed through a variety of experiences, that are each unique in the way they were developed, and what they have to offer.

How To Develop These Supports

These type of supports are all around us, and provide emotional security for children and adults. Based on a person’s individual needs, desires, and wants, the individual providing the support respects and promotes the decision making power and contribution of the person in need.

This contributes to the independence, growth and high self esteem of the person. This is best achieved in an environment filled with respect, love, attention, and humor.

To best achieve these objectives, communication is vital. Once a variety of interests are determined, the specific supports can be put into place. Be patient and persevere in locating the supports that best fit the needs of the person.

Focus on a specific geographic neighborhood, and identify groups, associations, and organizations. Attend social events, meetings, and groups in order to establish rapport with members, and identify the supports that surface.

Natural supports respect a person’s decisions, while providing a safety net when challenges arise. Life happens, and a person learns and grows through each experience. Having strong and reliable support systems in place is invaluable. For more information on these type of supports, check out the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin.

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