DID YOU KNOW

people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are one of the highest risk groups for social deprivation?

This population experiences several barriers to accessing social, recreational, cultural, and community activities that encourage socialization and building new relationships. These barriers can be physical, such as inaccessible venues and environments, as well as limited transportation options for people with disabilities. However, there are also several social barriers, such as negative attitudes and stereotypes about people with disabilities from other people.

People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities may have differences in communication that often result in many people assuming it is “too difficult” to learn and try to communicate with them. Ignoring or dismissing alternative ways of communicating leads to weaker social networks, fewer connections and relationships, and emotional and social isolation. Those with differences in communication abilities can also experience lower self-esteem and poorer mental health outcomes as a result of being misunderstood or feeling invisible in social spaces. 

These barriers also result in people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities spending a substantial amount of time doing passive, unstructured leisure activities compared to those without disabilities. Passive leisure may look like watching television, playing video games, listening to the radio, or other activities done in isolation. Excessive amounts of screen time can lead to a deterioration of social skills and relationships, potentially creating a feedback loop that leads to further social isolation.

Every morning at Steer Friends, members come around in a circle to have the opportunity to share about their lives, interests, and feelings with each other in the way they want to communicate. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other wonderful events together with our members as a community. Our hope is that our members feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, and connection to others within our space. Steer Friends is so much more than a day program, it’s a community, a family, and of course, a big circle of friends.

Stay tuned to learn more about other ways Steer Friends support friends with developmental disabilities!