Community Connections

Friendships and a sense of belonging are essential to everyone's well-being. It is important to be intentional and purposeful in supporting people with disability to be connected meaningfully to other people in their communities. This resource page will give you ideas and strategies to create and strengthen connections around shared interests and experiences.

Developing Community Connections

In this Resourcing Inclusive Communities workbook, learn six strategies that can enable people with disability to be active and contributing members of their communities and create the possibility of friendships. (PDF)

The power of peers

In this video of a conference presentation, parent Gina Wilson-Burns explains how she tested the Vision Statement for her son Mac against what was happening at primary school, and how children at his school found innovative ways to include a classmate. (Opens in YouTube)

Strategies to help build relationships

"We can't actually force relationship on people." In this video, author Janet Klees shares the four key parts of building a context for developing relationships. (Opens in YouTube)

It's a numbers game

"Friendship cannot be purchased, arranged, brokered or organised. The more typical, valued, roles Joscelyn has, where everyone else is and the more people
she meets, the more opportunities there will be for relationships to form." Parent Meg Sweeney lays the groundwork for the possibility of friendships for her daughter. (PDF)

Adult recreation as a bridge to friendship

"Unless recreational activities are strategically focused on deepening connections, activities alone are unlikely to lead towards the kinds of meaningful relationships we seek." A short analysis of the ways community connections and positive roles can be found, like 'recognising the sweet places'. (Opens on the Community Works website)

Being the community you wish to see

In this video, author Janet Klees talks about her experience as a support worker, and why she never described herself as a 'friend' to the people she supported while in paid employment. Janet describes how her understanding of community, belonging and relationship have been deepened through her long-term friendship with Beatrice, who lives with disability. (Opens in Vimeo)

Alex the soccer player

This video is the Today Show's 2011 story on Alex Graham, a member of the Blue and Gold soccer team for three years. The importance of being part of a team and sharing the fun. (Opens in YouTube)

The power of a positive introduction

Author Janet Klees says we should always introduce the person and not the disability. "I think it's important enough that families and people should take time to craft it, beforehand." (Opens in YouTube)

Who is Lawrence?

An example of a 10 page, positive introduction to Lawrence’s interests, strengths and abilities. (PDF)