Friendship and support for all

MORRISBURG – Some people make friends more easily that others, and that’s no different for someone with an intellectual disability.

A person’s support network is generally comprised of a mixture of family and friends, but too often someone with an intellectual disability can end up quite isolated.

“Sometimes the only contact they end up having is with paid staff,” said Brenda Laviolette, coordinator with Community Living Dundas County.

However, with no additional funding dollars for Community Living organizations to invest in the support networks of the people they serve, the problem of isolation will continue, if not worsen.

“We need to fill the gaps with friends and community members,” she said.

In working to help resolve the problem, Community Living Dundas County is hosting a special day long seminar on Friday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morrisburg Golf Course.

The seminar will be led by Susannah Joyce, of London, Ontario, who has done training and consulting internationally for more than 20 years on ways to include and involve people with disabilities as full citizens in all aspects of the community.

The purpose of the event is to help anyone who is close to someone, of any age, with an intellectual disability build a circle of friends and improve their support network.

“This is for anyone who cares about someone with an intellectual disability,” explained Laviolette.

The seminar is free, with lunch included, to everyone who registers to attend by March 2. (To register contact Marlene Lewis at 613-543-3737).

“Come, learn, share, build a supportive network,” said Debbie Boardman, executive director of Community Living Dundas County.

As more people opt to attend to learn about building a support network, the easier the process becomes as the day itself will increase networking opportunities.

According to Laviolette, the session will provide those who attend with the tools they need to help those they love to help build friendships, which are often severely lacking, even in school-aged children. “Quite often people hate to impose on others, and this session will provide them with a resource to help them learn how to set up a circle of support.”

Joyce has been to CLDC before for shorter, overview type sessions, but this one will provide a more in-depth action plan.