Companionship is particularly important in dealing with persons with developmental disabilities and with mental illness . In addition, under the larger disabilities umbrella, Companion Resources offers more specialized information on autism and fragile X syndrome . Other specific issues may be added in the future. In relating to anyone with special needs, we have found that the model of Gentle Teaching offers a more consistent and humane approach than the standard behavioral modification models. Community More people today are making an effort to include persons with special needs into the larger community.
Community happens when companions build bridges from persons with special needs to other persons.
Communities can be large or small, but true community means that all persons feel included and valued for whatever contribution or role they play in the life of the group. Companions can learn much from community development models that start with the people instead of structures and institutions. The asset-based approach is particularly helpful because it consciously works at including persons who might not naturally be included in community life. There are an increasing number of models of community life that start with building community around persons with disabilities and mental illness and then extend that community life toward the larger geographical community surrounding them. Resources Families and companions build bridges from persons with special needs to the communities to which they belong.