FAMILY QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE BUILDING OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICE AND POLICY

Family quality of life literature suggests that families with a member with an intellectual/developmental disability frequently face major difficulties in building social connections with others. They experience low levels of social support, face challenges in community inclusion, and are at risk of social isolation. These challenges may also be faced by other types of marginalized families. Families experiencing serious illness, families experiencing intrafamily violence, and migrant families or those seeking political asylum, for example, may also become isolated and find themselves without pathways to connections with others. We present practical suggestions intended for families and professionals interested in action and intervention at the personal, community, program, and policy levels to encourage the growth of social connections and prevent isolation of families experiencing social exclusion. The suggestions will come from families with a member with a disability and the findings of a study examining the social support of families as it relates to quality of life.