Who Do I Ask? Our Advice For Who To Invite To Your Personal Support Network

By Sara Crimm, Families CCAN Director

Families and individuals with disabilities often become more isolated over time, especially after finishing high school or transition programs. No longer seeing friends and acquaintances after years of sharing classes, supports and programs, they drift apart. Connections loosen over time. Loneliness can set in.

We hear this story often when working with families to build Personal Support Networks. Feelings of isolation. Of being the outsider because of living with differences. And most strongly, a reluctance to share concerns about the future with friends or others for fear of burdening or overwhelming them.

A Personal Support Network is an intentional circle of people formed around a person with a disability.

The Network builds a web of relationships between its members and with the person at the center. Through regular meetings, outings, and celebrations the Network can help with so many things, like: 

• creating community connections

• supporting important life decisions

• building skills for independence

• providing social opportunities

• relieving parental roles

Each Network is unique to the individual it supports. But each Network is a circle of caring and love. 

So – who’s on your list? Who do you want to include in your Network?

Here’s our advice: make it an intergenerational group so there are people in the same age bracket of your family member. That means: cousins, siblings and friends of the individual with a disability. Think about trusted community members, like clergy you are close with. Former teachers, therapists, or support staff who are special or who stayed in touch over the years. Neighbors and other familiar faces. By acknowledging these special relationships you are honoring those you ask to join. 

Now, invite people in.

Creating a Personal Support Network does require reaching out in order to invite others in. This can be uncomfortable for families and push folks outside of their usual comfort zone. Reaching out is the first step towards love, support, and acceptance. Over time, your Network can bring much joy, connection, and comfort to you and your family member with disabilities.

Learn to create your own Personal Support Network!

Our Personal Support Network Workshop is a 3-session series that teaches families to build an intentional network with and for their family member with disabilities. Personal Support Networks help maintain friendship, community connections, and long-term stability — and we provide expertise, coaching, and support to get your Network off the ground.