Friendships

Relationships that blossom into friendships can be especially challenging to engage in for people of all ages who happen to have disabilities. Relationships for people with disabilities are often limited to family members, paid staff and other people with disabilities. These relationships may be the most critical and meaningful to the individual, but all people benefit greatly by a diversity of relationships.

There are many ways to bring people with and without disabilities together to grow and nurture friendships. Here are a few ideas to build from:

» Religious activities

» Volunteer in the community

» Clubs

» Join a gym or your local YMCA

» Political involvement

» Adult education classes

» Special interest groups

» Special Olympics

» Best Buddies

» Sports-related events and activities

» Travel

» Routinely visit local establishments in your community

» Community theatre

Everyone needs friends!

People with friends are happier. People with friends are healthier. People with friends are safer.

*”Widening the Circle” —

expanding opportunities for friendships between people with and without disabilities

Transition Information Fact Sheet No. 20

State Agency Resources

Department of Mental Health (DMH)

State agency providing services to individuals with long-term or serious mental illnesses. DMH offers inpatient and outpatient services, case management, skill development, and employment, residential, individual, and family support.

25 Staniford Street

Boston, MA 02114

617-626-8000

Website: www.mass.gov/dmh

Department of Public Health (DPH)

State agency serving all citizens of the Commonwealth. Provides supports related to care, education, prevention, quality assurance, disease control, and research to promote healthy individuals, families, and communities.

250 Washington Street, 6th floor Boston, MA 02108

617-624-6000

Website: www.mass.gov/dph

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)

State agency that administers a range of public assistance programs across the Commonwealth. Areas of focus include emergency and transitional assistance, food stamps, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

600 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02111

1-877-382-2363

Website: www.mass.gov/dta

Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)

State agency protecting adults with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and omission of care by investigation, oversight, public awareness, and prevention. Suspected abuse can be reported by calling the hotline number below.

300 Granite Street, Suite 404

Braintree, MA 02184

1-888-822-0350 (Voice/TTY)

617-727-6465

Website: www.mass.gov/dppc

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB)

State agency supporting optimal community participation and independence by providing vocational and social services as well as financial and medical assistance to Massachusetts residents who are legally blind.

600 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02111

617-727-5550

Website: www.mass.gov/mcb

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (MCDHH)

State agency offering training, technology, case management, social services, interpreter support, and independent living support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

600 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02111

Transition Information Fact Sheet No. 21

Residential Alternatives