Community Inclusion, Best Buddies, and the Importance of Natural Supports
Many families in the disability community think about the future and ask an important question: “What will happen when parents or caregivers are no longer here?” Around the world, videos, podcasts, and educational programs are helping families learn about planning ahead, building strong community connections, and creating supportive networks for people with diverse abilities.
Organizations such as Best Buddies International share inspiring videos about friendship, leadership, jobs, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These stories show how meaningful friendships and community connections can help reduce loneliness and create confidence, independence, and belonging.
Many parents also talk openly about fears related to community inclusion. Some worry about safety, bullying, isolation, housing, transportation, or whether their son or daughter will have enough support in the future. Educational videos on inclusion often explain that building “natural supports” can make a big difference. Natural supports are unpaid relationships and connections in everyday life, such as friends, neighbors, coworkers, faith groups, classmates, coaches, and supportive community members.
Community inclusion is important because it helps people feel valued and connected. Inclusive communities allow people with disabilities to participate in recreation, employment, volunteering, education, travel, arts, sports, and social activities. Videos about inclusion often show that true inclusion is more than simply being present in the community — it means being welcomed, respected, and given opportunities to participate fully.
Websites like Best Buddies and The Arc provide resources for families, self-advocates, and support workers about future planning, friendship, inclusion, and independent living.
KSANews.ca and disability-focused media can help raise awareness by sharing stories about inclusion, natural supports, mental wellness, friendship, and planning for the future with kindness, compassion, and hope.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwT2qK1PZhs
https://inclusionalberta.org/connections/what-the-heck-are-natural-supports-anyway/
