All students will gain information and make contributions to the family, school and community by working together. Currently, many IEP's developed for students with disabilities, focus on students' deficits, and are designed to fit students into existing programs in which students rely on professionals' opinions and decisions. When IEP's are developed in this manner the collaborative team process for decision making is ignored. The IEP does not reflect the progression of program decision making and typically the use of natural supports like peers and families are neglected. The concept of natural supports is based on the understanding that relying on typical people and environments enhances the potential for inclusion more effectively than relying on specialized services and personnel.
Every person relies on support systems to reach their goals of independence.
Support systems are made up of friends, family, peers, and community members . Each person makes choices regarding what their needs are and in which areas they may need support or additional assistance. We each develop circles of support to help us reach our goals. For individuals with disabilities, the circle of support is a network of people who care about the person's future. When students with disabilities were initially integrated into general education programs, their social skills and peers friendships were enhanced, but, they were often academically isolated.