Having a support network is very important. It doesn't matter if you have a disability or not.
When I started living on my own I thought that independence was living in an apartment by yourself or with friends and making decisions on your own. As time went on I noticed life is full of times that we need a support network.
For me this includes times I am dealing with medical issues, financial issues or even times I just need someone to talk to and support me when I'm feeling down. I also started to realize that I already have one. I have family, friends and doctors etc.
The people I have in my network have different roles. For example I wouldn't necessarily go to my doctor for financial or emotional support and I wouldn't necessarily go to my friends and family for medical advice unless they are doctors or nurses themselves etc.
Support networks are different for everyone Sometimes it may be a caseworker or a counselor to support you with financial issues or housing or living situations just to name a few.
Things To think about with support networks:
1. Emergency: this can include ambulance, police
2. (General support: friends and family)
3. Medical: this includes all of your doctor, pharmacy
4. Finances
5. Counselor Or Caseworker
When setting up a support network it is important to put things that enable you to contact them. This includes the NAME, NUMBER and sometimes ADDRESS
Putting your support network somewhere that you can see or easily access is very important. Ideas include on the refrigerator and in your cell phone and/or your iPad.
