How to Start a Disability Support Group

People with disabilities can benefit from connecting socially with one another, especially when they can find a common ground with someone else who lives with their specific disability. A disability support group can be a wonderful way to find support and information.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify the purpose and mission of the disability support group. Will the group focus on a specific disability or have a general focus?

2. Find a location that is accessible for the disability support group. Consider the group's potential access needs related to the people with disabilities who attend the group.

3. Select a name for the disability support group.

4. Gather donations from local Lions clubs, rehabilitation centers and other service organizations to cover meeting expenses and access needs. Seek in-kind donations of space in which to hold your meetings to help defray your expenses.

5. Create a flyer, including the disability support group name, meeting details, location and meeting purpose. Add guest speakers' names to the flyer if applicable. Consider requesting RSVPs and advance notice of access needs to be prepared.

6. Advertise the disability support group. Send flyers to local rehabilitation hospitals, disability organizations, newspapers, schools and community organizations.

7. Recruit volunteers to keep the disability support group running on an ongoing basis. Volunteers can divide up various duties and take over leadership if a group leader cannot make it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use icebreaker activities at the beginning of the group meetings to get members comfortable with each other.
• Invite guest speakers who are professionals and people with disabilities to present on various topics of interest to the group.

Resources

• Deaf Walrus includes a list of disability support groups

Who Can Help Sponsored

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