Introduction to Workbook. Assisting people feel connected to their neighborhoods and communities can be both exciting and difficult, simple and mysterious. In spite of these complexities, we believe that it is one of the most important things we can do in our work in supporting people with disabilities. This workbook is a compilation of tools and information gathered from people across the country who do the work of community building. What we have included is not inclusive, and does not contain a sure to succeed method. The tools and exercises are to be used as a starting point in your work of connecting people. Each situation is different; what works for one person will probably not work for another. We want you to use these exercises as one way of exploring ways to connect others.
We encourage you to do these exercises for yourself first. Regardless of whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, strongly connected to your community or a loner, it is important to be conscious of the ways in which are we connected to people and places in our own lives. This consciousness is critical as you work to connect people and help them develop relationships.
Use this guide creatively and thoughtfully. We hope you will find it useful as you study, think, learn, discuss and search for ways to assist people develop ties to their communities and deepen their relationships with others.
Patsy Davies and Claudia Bolton
This is a fun and inspiring day of sharing and learning about supportive community building. The focus is on identifying strategies to increase the likelihood that people with disabilities are welcomed into regular community life. Presenters will share stories of successful ways to develop friendships and relationships with community members which center around shared interests.
If you are currently a part of an individual support team, you are encouraged to attend together. Typical presentations and group activities focus on: patterns of successful supportive community building; identifying interests and preferences; recognizing community opportunities; common characteristics of community builders; developing your own network of sharing and support for community builders; and, natural supports and paid supports. In addition, the discussion will focus on the interest and experience of the participants.
Patsy Davies works as a consultant providing support and training to agencies, families and people with disabilities. She has had a variety of work opportunities that continue to teach her about what it takes to support people with disabilities to live, work and have fun as citizens of their local communities.
Patsy has extensive experience facilitating Personal Futures Planning sessions and helping organizations build on-going supports for people who are working towards their own hopes and dreams. She enjoys helping people plan together, problem-solve and work towards a common vision of people with disabilities participating fully in community life.
Claudia Bolton, is a consultant in supported living, community building, person-centered and organizational planning. She uses several person-centered planning approaches to help individuals and their families and friends develop a shared vision of the future and a commitment to action. She has learned most of what she knows about community building and helping people have good lives in the community from being a student of the people she has worked with.
In addition to Ms. Davies and Ms. Bolton, each workshop includes members of local communities who share their stories about how they have helped themselves or others build community connections. These examples provide participants with practical applications of the information presented throughout the day.