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Making friends can be difficult for anyone. But making friends as an adult with a disability has a unique set of challenges.
For adults who are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities(I/DD), the road to friendships that are ‘as good as gold’ can be difficult for any number of reasons:
Also looming is the cultural and societal stigma attached to those with I/DD. Misconceptions and prejudice are often major barriers to equitable social inclusion within communities.
Adults with I/DD in Oregon can count on the team at ALSO (Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity) for assistance in finding and nurturing the world of friendship. ALSO transforms the focus from the all-too-common question of, “How do I make friends?” to the exciting endeavor of:
“Where can I find opportunities to connect with people who share my interests?”
To help those we support answer this question, ALSO uses the person-centered approach.
The person-centered approach to making friends as an adult with I/DD starts with the individual. The Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) promotes Oregon intellectual and developmental disability services that support each individual’s unique talents and abilities.
The umbrella agency for ODDS, Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), guides this comprehensive person-centered approach throughout the state — helping all people to live their best lives possible in their chosen communities.
ALSO embraces these person-centered services, ensuring that services are based on the choices and goals of the people we support. Our individualized services create opportunities for strong connections within the community.
Individuals with I/DD have the same needs for meaningful friendships as those of us without disabilities. Our friends provide many benefits:
It’s no secret that friendships have mutual benefits. We can count on our loyal buddies to come running when we need help and act as a springboard for our feelings and emotions. After all, we would do the same for them!
At ALSO of Oregon, we believe that social connection for adults with disabilities shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a huge part of building a life that reflects the person’s own interests and goals.
Community activities that help adults with disabilities in establishing friendships are always addressed in the person-centered care plan. All administrators and direct support professionals (DSPs) at ALSO are completely on board with this critical aspect of social inclusion.
To Sunny Ellis, DSP and behavioral support specialist at ALSO, inclusion means that,
“…all people are at the party…everyone got the invitation, and we’re excited to see you here.”
Sunny’s commitment to inclusion is the foundation of having an active and productive life in the community. ALSO facilitates the social skills necessary to create community friendship opportunities for adults with I/DD.
The ISP outlines the types of supports needed for individuals with disabilities in Oregon. It is person-centered and based on a person’s needs, values, interests, and goals.
Although the ISP is used throughout Oregon as a tool to learn about the desired activities of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, the team at ALSO takes interest exploration further. We encourage those we support to experiment and try new things. We do whatever it takes to help the people we support find joy in what they do.
Each of our specialized service programs includes a wide range of activities for children and adults with I/DD.
After we facilitate interest exploration, we then figure out what kinds of accommodations might be needed so that the person can enjoy the activity. For example, someone who likes gardening may need to get connected to a wheelchair-accessible community garden.
Exploration of personal interests is an excellent way to begin the process of building friendships in the community. Many community connections can come from these shared experiences, such as:
Our supported employment programs have led to many permanent job placements that provide competitive pay and benefits. At ALSO, we’ve found that many of the adults we support with disabilities can additionally make numerous social connections in the workplace.
Success in employment is a main component of self-esteem and self-confidence. Such benefits extend to increased social opportunities for adults with disabilities.
LEARN MORE: Supported Employment in Oregon: Meaningful Work and Belonging.
For individuals who would enjoy adaptive recreation, Oregon has several options for community connection and friendship-building.
PP&R offers activities for children and adults with disabilities. Some examples are:
Other opportunities include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair treadmill, and accessible swimming.
Adaptive recreation services at Hilyard Community Center provides extensive year-round adaptive recreation services for teenagers and adults with disabilities. Several unique programs offer social opportunities for adults with disabilities. Various programs are:
OAS began in 1996 when a group of passionate community members created accessible skiing opportunities for their friends and loved ones with disabilities. Since then, OAS has expanded greatly to include year-round outdoor sports activities.
OAS welcomes participants with diverse needs, including and not limited to:
Although OAS is unable to provide personal care for participants, caregivers are welcome free of charge.
For those who find connection in community activism, OSAC is a network of self-advocacy groups that support people with disabilities. People with this important shared value work toward equality in:
As we’ve learned by now, there are many, many fun, rewarding, and accessible activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oregon. We also know the importance of long-lasting relationships that bring celebration during times of success and offer support when life is tough.
Even so…what about getting there? What are the options for transportation?
How can Oregon families obtain the necessary support that allows their loved ones to benefit from community friendships?
ALSO has 8 practical suggestions on how to arrange for transportation and support.
Important Point: Oregon DHS notes that I/DD services can include transportation support in the community. Adult day supports can help people participate more fully in their community activities and friendship-building.
ALSO has compiled a list of resources for social and community opportunities for individuals with disabilities. You may wish to put it on your favorites list!
Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition
Portland Parks & Recreation Adaptive Recreation
Eugene Adaptive Recreation Services
We hope, after reading this blog, you have some helpful information on the importance of friendships for adults with I/DD. We also encourage you to check out the services that ALSO has to offer.
Our services span throughout multiple counties in Oregon, offering lifelong individualized support for people with I/DD and their families.
Click on links to learn more:
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