Q Lance: What are the barriers that prevent
clients of The Arc and other individuals with developmental disabilities from
accessing recreation and social activities?
A Our clients have very limited
spending money and many events and activities are too expensive. Plus, trying
to figure out how to plan and pay for different events can be difficult—what bus
do I take, where do I go when I get there, what should I expect? These are all
things that can cause anxiety and fear. Also, going to new places can be
intimidating if you are alone. A baseball game or an outdoor concert can be
crowded, noisy and overwhelming.
Q Lance: How does Friends Like Me address
these issues?
A Friends Like Me is an after-hours
program at The Arc that offers games, big screen movies, snacks and a movie
night three evenings a week. We invite drop-in guests and encourage
participation at whatever level you are comfortable with. Some clients like to
sit and watch others play Wii baseball or bowling, others are real competitors.
We encourage teamwork, mutual support and fun in a place that is safe, casual
and comfortable.
Also, we have community outings twice a month. As a group,
we’ll take the ferry to Angel Island or visit a museum or enjoy a ball game.
Q Lance: How are clients benefitting from
Friends Like Me?
A In addition to combatting the
isolation and loneliness our cleints experience, we are also helping clients
improve their social skills. Friends Like Me is an environment where communication,
teamwork, problem-solving, conflict-resolution are all encouraged, and this
build confidence. Plus, when you are playing a game, it reduces stress. We all
need more work/life balance in our lives. Ultimately, it provides a foundation for
seeking out new experiences on your own. It’s a path to more self-determination
and independence.
Q Terry: Why are social skills so important
in the working world?
A Many individuals with developmental disabilities are fearful of busy work
environments with new faces. Friends Like Me is a good place to learn how to be
more flexible, how to better connect with co-workers socially and break down
barriers.
Q Terry: Can a better social life impact
job performance and job satisfaction?
A Sure it does. If you keep to
yourself and don’t have an opportunity to learn how to interact with others, it’s
very isolating and lonely. Plus, it can limit your growth potential and keep
you from enjoying all that the work environment has to offer. Having the skills
to be with others is normalizing. It fosters more interaction with co-workers
and can lead to better performance on the job, and higher job satisfaction
because you feel like you belong. Everyone
needs diverse experiences. It helps you understand the world and the importance
of your place in it.
For more information
about Friends Like Me, contact Lance Scott at lscott@thearcsf.org. To learn more about
our Employment Services, contact Terry Goodwin at tgoodwin@thearcsf.org.
