Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) affect millions of individuals and families worldwide, shaping their life experiences and access to opportunities. Supporting people with IDDs is a powerful way to encourage inclusiveness, the creation of equitable resources, and respect in our communities.
Here are five ways you can give back to your community and support people with IDDs as well as the organizations that serve them.
How to Support People With Disabilities and Their Families
1. Seeking Out Education
Understanding IDDs is the first step toward meaningful support. Educating yourself about the challenges faced by individuals with IDDs helps dispel myths and promote respect. Learning about these and related social policies can provide valuable insights into increasing inclusion and employment for people with IDDs, which can greatly enhance community participation and quality of life for affected individuals.
2. Promoting Awareness
Awareness is a powerful tool for change. By sharing knowledge and celebrating the accomplishments of individuals with IDDs, we can help shift public perception and encourage supportive actions. Highlighting the work of local nonprofits that support people with IDDs underscores the critical role these organizations play in fostering independence and community integration.
3. Volunteering
Your time can make a significant impact. Volunteering with organizations dedicated to IDDs offers direct support and creates bridges between communities. Whether it’s through mentoring, teaching, or getting involved in other ways, your engagement can enhance the lives of people with IDDs.
4. Making a Donation
Financial support is crucial for sustaining and improving programs that benefit people with IDDs. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, making donations to related nonprofits provides vital resources for their operations and services.
5. Participating in a Fundraiser
One of the simplest and most powerful ways you can offer support to people with IDDs and the nonprofits that serve them is to engage in fundraising events. Nonprofit fundraising not only helps to provide vital resources for nonprofits, without which they would be unable to maintain their programs, but also works to improve public awareness and support.
Your participation in these events — whether that entails making a donation, promoting the event to others, or both — can result in significantly greater success for nonprofits that provide key services to people with IDDs and their families.
When you support nonprofits who not only offer care for adults with IDDs, but also run programs that allow them to live more empowered, independent lives, you are supporting a greater quality of life for people impacted by IDDs. In doing so, you’re also helping to promote a more just and inclusive society where every member’s rights and needs are recognized as well as one that can benefit from more equitable relationships with its uniquely able community members.
Join Progressive Lifestyles in Supporting Adults With IDDs
Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. is dedicated to providing innovative support services for people with disabilities. Our mission is to provide supportive and caring residence opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Oakland County, Michigan.
Join us for our special fundraiser this May! https://www.progressivelifestylesinc.org/event-info/cinco-de-mayo-fundraiser
A primary focus of our organization is to interact with the individuals we support through the “Culture of Gentleness” model. We seek to create a positive environment to help them feel safe and valued by maximizing praise, limiting demands, maintaining consistent structure, and reducing stress during transitions. Contact us today to learn more about living the Progressive Lifestyle!