We’re wrapping up Independence Month. You might think asking for help is the opposite of being independent. The truth is, we all need support to build the lives we want. You can build your circle of support.
What Is a Circle of Support?
A circle of support is a group of people who care about you. They help you make choices, solve problems, and reach your goals. This idea comes from a disability advocate named Judith Snow. She said we all need people around us. Some people are close to us and others help with specific things.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Inner Circle: You trust these people the most.
- Middle Circle: You know them well and they help often.
- Outer Circle: You may not know them well. But they still support you.
Some people are lucky to have strong family support. But not everyone does. You can build a found family. That is a group of friends and allies who stand by you, respect your choices, and want to help you succeed.
James shares more about this in a new video.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Build Your Circle of Support
Your circle of support may look different over time. People may come and go. That’s okay. What matters is that you keep building it.
One great way to meet new people is by joining an advocacy group. These groups are made up of people with disabilities who support one another. They work together to make change. You can meet friends, learn new skills, and find others who want to help you reach your goals. Look for a local chapter of The Arc. Search for groups in your state, like Texas Advocates. Or, join our LinkedIn group to meet people from around the world.
Use Your Circle to Build the Life You Want
A circle of support isn’t just for when things go wrong. It’s there to help you dream big. Want to find a job? Move to your own place? Go back to school? Your circle can help you make a plan, figure out next steps, and cheer you on.
Want to Learn More?
- Watch our Independent Living playlist on YouTube.
- Read our blog posts about independent living.
- Build your skills with our free self-advocacy courses.
You don’t have to do it alone. With the right people around you, you can build the life you want. Thank you for celebrating Disability Pride and Independence Month with us!