This must include more typical social relationships than exist at present. Achieving our goal of breaking down the system of parallel worlds for people with and without disabilities, depends on how successful we are at building relationships between persons with and without disabilities. While formerly we were almost solely involved with protecting, caregiving, and training, we are now placing increased emphasis on supporting people in developing friendships and other relationships and enjoying full community membership. Relationships are vital. Staff members must view themselves as community connectors.
Inclusion means a sense of belonging.
Facilitation of friendships is needed. At Tri-Development Center and the Aiken County Board of Disabilities, we know that our health and happiness are affected by our relationships. Simply teaching individuals with disabilities skills will not alone prove successful in helping them develop satisfying lives. In our work we must remember that happiness and satisfaction are to a large degree determined by the love we have in our lives. Because of this we are required to go beyond mere training and to facilitate the development of true friendships among people with and without disabilities.