It’s not just about being IN the community, It’s about being part OF the community.
with the right supports, vision and values, people with disabilities are able to explore their interests,that will lead towards meaningful roles as citizens of our community.
How to we foster the development of meaningful roles in the community?
We teach our Community Support Workers to use the right Relational Approach:
Relational Approaches focus on building social and emotional skills & helping people form personal relationships by strengthening the building blocks of social connections. This includes the ability to form an emotional bond and share experiences with others.
Goal 1: Participate and be socially connected in their community in the same mainstream activities as people their age
Access and use mainstream services
Included fully in the life of the local community as a neighbour, a friend, a co-worker, etc.
Using Relational Approaches when interacting with people with disabilities is foundational to their success and quality of life.
We teach our Community Support Workers how to better understand the person with disabilities and their unique communication and safety needs. We also work with Community Support Workers on how to interact with the public to ensure that the person with a disability is meaningfully included as part of the group.
Goal 2: Make choices and decisions small or big that are meaningful to them
Gaining language skills and having opportunities to have meaningful choices
Choices need to include what to eat, wear, etc. to developing interests and dreams
True citizenship means contributing to the community based on one’s unique strengths and interests, it means feeling accepted, and experiencing a sense of belonging.
Working at Timber Town
Goal 3: Develop skills and personal attributes that will foster social inclusion and valued social roles.
Everyday tasks
Values social roles
Skills & attributes leads to independence and opportunities to develop interests and have dreams
Goal 4: Be respected by their communities and promote positive reputation building.
Respect - People with disabilities are NOT check boxes on a to-do list. Treat the person with respect and value their reputation as much as you value your own.
Reputation (image)- how the person looks, their actions & attributes that portray their valued social roles