Finding Friends

Finding friends is not always easy. If you have an intellectual disability it can take longer. But don’t worry–you can do it! You need to meet quite a few different people. After a while, if you work at your friendships, a few of them will become lasting friends. Others will remain people you know well enough to say “Hello” to. This section of the website gives you some steps to help you get started.

Getting Started

1) Know Yourself.

One of the most important things you can do is know yourself. You need to know what you like. You need to know what you are interested in. You need to know your strengths–the qualities that can make you a good friend. You also need to know what supports you need, and where you can find these supports.

Below is an Activity link that may help you think about your life. Ask a parent, support worker or teacher to help you fill out the pages.

Making Friends through the Arts
Making Friends through the Arts

Kevin knows what he likes. He knows that he enjoys acting and music. He joined a drama and arts program at “La Fenetre” (The Window). They present plays and mimes. He also plays tam-tam with other musicians. This group has been a good way for him to meet new friends in his community.

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Activity/Information Sheets

Getting Started - Know Your Strengths, Interests and Needs
Getting Started - Know Your Strengths, Interests and Needs (270.12KB, PDF)

Completing this document may give you a better idea of what your interests and needs and strengths are. You may want to print it out. Ask someone who knows you well to help you. It may help you think about ways for you to make friends.

2) Think about what you learned from answering the “Getting Started” questions.

What were some of the answers you came up with? Talk about these with someone who knows you well. What do these answers mean? Brainstorm about places you can go. Think about things you can do so you can meet people with the same interests as you. Think about what you are comfortable with too.

3) Make a plan.

Use some of the ideas you have come up with to make a plan. Perhaps, start with the idea of creating a Circle or Network of Friends.

A Circle of Friends:

Some people have a Circle of Support or a Circle of Friends or a Support Network. This is a small group of people who support you to get to your goals. It is made of family and friends and maybe a teacher or another person. This includes your goal of having more friends, or other goals you may have. A group called PLAN has some good ideas about who should be in your Circle of Support.

PLAN suggests you include:

  • Someone who speaks up strongly for what you want.
  • Someone who knows you very well—maybe a family member.
  • Someone who knows your local neighbourhood and ways you could meet people there.
  • Someone who is good at leading meetings.

If your family member or support person would like to help you, they can find more information on creating a Circle or Network in Resources and in the Family Members section of this website.

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Be Yourself and Be Willing to Help Others

“The best thing is to be yourself–to always show your true self to people, and to give them the best of yourself. I choose my friends carefully, and then, if they need me to help them, I give this help willingly. I love to be of service to others.”

Survey respondent, QC

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Activity/Information Sheets

Creating a Good Life in Community (Plain Language Version)
Creating a Good Life in Community (Plain Language Version)

This is a guide that will help you think about building a good life in community. It is in plain language.

Designed by the Individualized Funding Coalition of Ontario and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.

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