Transitioning to Adulthood

By Kim Spangler, Family Outreach Coordinator, The Arc of Alabama

3 ways to prevent the phenomenon known as “falling off the cliff”:
  1. Increase Social Capital
  2. Build Natural Supports.
  3. Engage with certified and licensed professionals (like a trained Lifecourse ambassador, a benefits counselor an estate planning lawyer, a CQL trainers.)
These licensed professionals are trained experts who can help establish strategic & realistic goals mapping out resources available & establish important relationships , they understand disability benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and Medicare and can work with a probate lawyer or estate planning lawyer to secure finances for future use.
Increasing the Social Capital of People with Disabilities – The Council on Quality and Leadership
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), social capital, or the resources derived from relationships, is crucial for inclusion, social ties, well-being, and overall quality of life. Building and maintaining social connections can improve their health, access to opportunities, and overall success in various life domains.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What is Social Capital?
  • Social capital refers to the resources, information, and support individuals gain from their relationships and networks.
  • It’s not just about having friends, but also about the quality and strength of those relationships, and the opportunities they provide.
  • It can be viewed as a form of “social currency” that can be used to access resources, information, and opportunities.
Why is Social Capital Important for People with IDD?
  • Inclusion and Social Participation:Social capital helps people with IDD become more integrated into their communities and participate in various social activities.
  • Well-being and Quality of Life:Strong social connections can significantly improve the mental and emotional well-being of individuals with IDD.
  • Access to Opportunities:Social networks can provide access to information about jobs, education, and other opportunities that can help people with IDD achieve their goals.
  • Improved Health:Studies suggest that individuals with strong social connections tend to have better health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety.
  • Empowerment and Self-Advocacy:Social capital can empower individuals with IDD to advocate for their own needs and rights.

How to Build Social Capital for People with IDD:

  • Inclusion and Social Interaction:
    • Encourage participation in community events, clubs, and activities.
    • Create opportunities for social interaction with peers, both with and without disabilities.
    • Promote inclusive environments where people with IDD feel welcome and respected.
  • Relationships and Networking:
    • Facilitate the development of meaningful relationships through shared interests, activities, and support networks.
    • Encourage individuals to build relationships with people who are different from them, expanding their social horizons.
    • Help people with IDD learn and practice social skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and empathy.
  • Advocacy and Self-Determination:
    • Support individuals in developing their self-advocacy skills and promoting their own interests.
    • Encourage participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
    • Promote a culture of respect and inclusion, where people with IDD are valued for their contributions.
  • Online Participation:
    • Explore the potential of social networking sites for building social capital, but be mindful of the potential challenges.
    • Ensure that online interactions are safe and positive.
  • Family-Based Social Capital:
    • Recognize the importance of family support and encourage family involvement in the lives of individuals with IDD.
    • Help families develop strategies for supporting their family members with IDD in building social connections.

Examples of Social Capital in Action:

  • A person with IDD uses their social network to find a volunteer opportunity that matches their interests.
  • A person with IDD connects with a friend who helps them find a job.
  • A person with IDD develops a strong support network that helps them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Building Natural Supports from within our own communities:

Natural supports for people with disabilities are unpaid, informal relationships and connections that individuals have in their daily lives, such as family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, that provide support and promote inclusion and well-being.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
  • Definition:Natural supports are the relationships and connections that naturally exist in a person’s life, rather than formal, paid support systems.
  • Examples:These can include family members, friends, neighbors, church members, co-workers, classmates, or people met through shared interests or activities.
  • Importance:
    • Promote Inclusion: Natural supports help people with disabilities feel included in their communities and workplaces.
    • Enhance Quality of Life: They can improve social well-being, independence, and overall quality of life.
    • Reduce Reliance on Formal Services: By fostering natural connections, individuals may need less reliance on formal support services.
    • Foster Empowerment: Natural support relationships can empower individuals to take on more responsibility and participate more fully in their communities.
  • How to Develop Natural Supports:
    • Get Involved: Encourage participation in community activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.
    • Build Relationships: Foster meaningful connections with people through shared interests and activities.
    • Be Open and Honest: Encourage open communication and understanding in relationships.
    • Seek Out Opportunities: Look for opportunities to connect with others and build relationships.
  • Natural Supports in the Workplace:
    • Mentoring: Supervisors or colleagues can mentor employees with disabilities, providing guidance and support.
    • Social Inclusion: Encouraging social interaction and inclusion in workplace activities can enhance job retention and overall well-being.
    • Peer Support: Colleagues can offer support and assistance to one another, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
  • Natural Supports vs. Formal Supports:
    • Formal Supports: These are paid services provided by professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or case managers.
    • Natural Supports: These are unpaid, informal relationships that provide support and connection.
  • Benefits of Natural Supports:
    • Social Integration: Natural supports help people with disabilities feel connected to their communities and workplaces.
    • Empowerment: They can empower individuals to take on more responsibility and participate more fully in their lives.
    • Reduced Isolation: Natural supports can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Improved Well-being: They can contribute to improved mental and physical well-being.
  • Go to Project10.info for more information on how to build natural supports
  • In Alabama, ADMH as well as ADRS employs benefits counselors to help families navigate government benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid & Medicare. Call one of both of these agencies and ask to speak with a benefits counselor or attend events where a trained benefits counselor will be presenting information on these topics.
  • In Alabama, benefits counseling for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is available through the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (Ala-WIN) program, and also through the Intellectual Disabilities Waiver and the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Waiver.
The “Charting the LifeCourse” framework and its associated tools, designed for individuals and families, are used within a Community of Practice (CoP) to support the development of a vision for a good life, plan for the future, and navigate systems, ultimately promoting self-determination and self-advocacy.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
  • What is Charting the LifeCourse?
    • It’s a framework and set of tools designed to help individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for a good life, identify needs and goals, and plan for the future.
    • It emphasizes person-centered practices and self-determination.
    • The framework and tools can be used for planning, problem-solving, and organizing supports.
  • How does it relate to Communities of Practice?
    • The National Community of Practice for Supporting Families (CoP) is a network of individuals and organizations working together to support families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
    • The CoP utilizes the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools to enhance systems change and support families throughout the lifespan of their family member with I/DD.
    • The CoP provides resources, training, and technical assistance to help members implement the framework and tools effectively.
  • What are some of the tools?
    • Foundational Tools: These are core tools for planning, problem-solving, and visioning.
    • Tools for Conversations:Worksheets and templates to guide conversations about a life plan.
    • Integrated Supports Star Worksheet: Helps brainstorm supports needed to achieve a vision.
    • LifeCourse Toolkit Menu: Explains the purpose of the toolkit and lists each tool and its purpose

Family Outreach Coordinator Kim Spangler is a trained ambassador with the National Network known as the CoP. For a free introductory course on using the LifeCourse Tools, contact Kim at kspangler@thearcofalabama.org

Go to LifeCourse NEXXUS online for more information