Building a Relationship
Most people with disabilities will require support, in varying degrees, in the management and oversight of their daily lives.
Developing a network or circle of support is of utmost importance as relationships are key to protecting and safeguarding
the person’s health and well-being. While siblings can play a key role, parents who make assumptions about siblings’
involvement are doing both themselves and their children a disservice. This is too important a matter to leave to chance.
Intentionally creating and sustaining a small group of people who are committed to your family member with a disability is absolutely
essential. Resources from PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) at
www.plan.ca, including the books
Safe and Secure and
A Good Life
and the
“Peace of Mind” CD can provide a step by step process to develop a personal network.
Supportive Care in the Congregation published the Mennonite Mutual Aid is an excellent resource on how to organize support
circles in faith communities. This book, as well as
What Happens After We’re Gone: Estate Planning for Families in Which a
Dependent Member Has a Disability or Mental Illness can be obtained from
www.adnetonline.org.