Individuals with disabilities often lack opportunities to pursue their interests and engage in the community, leaving them vulnerable to isolation and depression. Thanks to an investment by the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, Center for Independent Futures created a project to facilitate inclusion and support individuals with disabilities to build happier, healthier lives while strengthening the entire community. Now, we’ve developed resources to make it possible to implement this project in any community, free of charge and easily customizable.
This initiative, called the Community Connectors and Bridge Builders Project, helps individuals create broader networks and fuller lives. Trained volunteers, or Bridge Builders, introduce individuals with disabilities into community activities that match up with their interests. Together, they attend events, volunteer, and enjoy their hobbies. With the resources we’ve created, you can start this project in your own community, leading to more opportunities and richer lives for all community members.
Click here to download all of the materials needed to begin the project in your community, in both English and Spanish. For more information on how you can build bridges and facilitate inclusion in your own community, contact Center for Independent Futures at (847) 328-2044.
To see stories of what the Community Connectors and Bridge Builders Project has already made possible, watch the video below.