For the kid who wanted to go into sales and make money, the personal change resulting from that relationship has been profound. Those people are not present in our daily lives. The dramatic change in Allison's mindset and comfort level is precisely what Natural Ties seeks through its conferences, web-site, monthly social gatherings, and other activities. The goal is to foster true friendships, not acts of charity, that then help the mainstream world accept and feel comfortable with the disabled. Our focus is really connecting people with disabilities to a network of people, not just one person.
Friendship is a two-way street.
Allison's life has been changed in many ways by knowing Sandra. One of them has been her career. At her new friend's prodding, she left a career in publishing, where she was miserable, for one in social services, where she is now happy. For Sandra, the friendship has helped to expand her network of friends and support. She says people interact with her more readily after they have seen Allison and her together.