Community Guides Success Stories

Mother requested Community Guide

A mother requested a Community Guide to help her learn about resources and other opportunities for her child in her community. Because she was very shy, she was uncomfortable asking questions from school personnel or other professionals to learn about her child's disability and what resources existed to help him.

Due to the support of her Community Guide, this mother had a major breakthrough! With the information provided by her Community Guide, the mother gained knowledge about her child's disability, education,therapy interventions, recreation and inclusion issues. But more importantly, with this information, this mother felt confident enough to become a speaker at her son's Special Education Open House and educate other parents about the resources about which she had learned. This mom was able to make a difference for her son, her family and her community.

Family finds recreational activities

The family of a 15 year old girl with Down Syndrome identified the need for additional recreational activities. They met with the Community Guide and brain stormed a list of ideas that included a local theater group for teenagers and an athletic club. The family asked the Community Guide to make the initial calls to connect their daughter to these programs. In both cases, the organizations were welcoming.

The Community Guide provided detailed information to the family, such as schedules, fees, and contact names. The family felt comfortable pursuing these options, knowing that their daughter would be welcomed. Her Mom said, "I had thought about the theater group for a long time, but put off calling them. I knew that if there was hesitation, I would be discouraged. The Community Guide helped to pave the way."

Modified: September 5, 2001.   Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities webmaster for more information about the Division of Developmental Disabilities. For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page.  Technical Site Comments: DSHS Webmaster.