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Most support
groups for people with disabilities provide support to participants
to expand awareness and opportunities for participation in all aspects
of life by America’s 50 million+ men, women and children with
disabilities. Support groups provide participants a chance for interaction
with other members who are in a similar situation. They provide
educational programs and provide a venue for participants to share
information on issues of concern. Support groups may focus on topics
such as assistive devices, education, employment, sexuality, family,
personal care assistance, sports, and recreation. In addition to
periodic lectures by professionals in areas of concern to the members,
up-to-date resource material may be available.
Many support groups help people improve their quality of life, achieve
greater independence, and become integrated into their communities.
Different support groups focus on different aspects of life. Some
focus on health-related issues while others are concerned with education,
jobs, and entertainment. Some support groups are available on the
Internet.
A self-help
group is a voluntary gathering of people who share a common problem,
condition, or history. By coming together, members share their knowledge,
experience, support and ideas on how to cope and live more productive
and fulfilling lives. Groups are usually free of charge and open
to new members. Some groups are on-going while others meet for a
defined period of time. Support groups may or may not have a leader.
People generally attend support groups as long as they need support,
information, and contact with others in similar situations. When
their need has been met, they stop attending.
Self-help or mutual assistance groups are playing an increasingly
important role in the health care system. They complement traditional
services by effectively helping people to get information from others
in similar situations, deal with problems, stress, changing lifestyle
because of a new or progressive disability, and personal development.
Participating with others dealing with similar issues can be non-stigmatizing
and effective.
People turn to support groups to help them cope with some of life's
most difficult challenges. Support groups range from small gatherings
to national networks, often operate on shoestring budgets, and can
meet anywhere. Support groups have managed to survive and flourish.
They are proving to be extremely effective in helping people cope
with difficult situations.
The effectiveness of a group requires participation from each member. Ideally, a group should offer a non-judgmental atmosphere where each person who chooses has a chance to speak out. If you are thinking about participating in a support group, approach your first meeting with an open mind and try to find out all you can. You may need to attend several meetings before you feel comfortable. If you don't feel you have found the right group for your needs, look for another group. Even within the same organization, chapters can be very different and membership is usually quite fluid.
Tip: There are different ways to find information about support groups in your area: Ask your physician or other health care professional or another individual with a disability. You can contact an Independent Living Center near you – there are more than 500 such centers across the country. Handbooks of community resources are usually available in local libraries and hospitals. Major groups may also be listed in the Yellow pages under "social service agencies."
You will find examples of three types of support groups listed below:
Muscular
Dystrophy Association Adult Support group
The Muscular Dystrophy Association Adult Support Group provides
support to adults with Muscular Dystrophy (MD), their family and
friends. They provide emotional support through informational lectures
regarding disability issues and needs. Participants often make new
friends with other participants who understand what it is like to
have Muscular Dystrophy. They share how they manage as well as individual
aspirations for the future. Group members provide emotional support
by sharing everyday life experiences that include the use of assistive
technology and the means of acquiring them, the hiring and use of
personal assistants, the means of overcoming structural barriers,
or the simple daily experiences of everyday life. They also provide
an annual summer retreat experience for children. The summer retreat
provides an opportunity for children to develop a close bond and
camaraderie with other children and their counselors.
Spinal
Cord Injury Support Groups
A Spinal Cord Injury Support Group focuses on the needs of each
individual and helps the individual deal with the physical, social,
psychological, emotional, economic and vocational problems that
accompany a spinal cord injury. Topics cover self-care skills, transfers,
personal care assistance, mobility, leisure, home living skills,
skin care, locating and using community resources, coordination,
bowel and bladder management, respiratory problems, adjustment to
their injury, and sexual functioning. The group provides support
for the individual and his or her family and allows the opportunity
to discuss issues with others who have similar experiences.
Brain
Injury Support Groups
Brain Injury Support Groups offer survivors of brain injury and
their families’ support and information about recovery and
managing the disability. The group provides an opportunity for participants
to talk with others dealing with similar situations, helps participants
develop a better understanding of the challenges they are facing
and incorporates social activities. The groups focus on sharing
information about available resources, discuss strategies for dealing
with a disability, and feature professional speakers who are invited
to address topics of special interest.
