Enabling Formal and Natural Supports for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in British Columbia, Canada: Experiences of Three Organizations

Caitlin Piccone, Xiaolin Xu, Donna Thomson, Navjit Gaurav and Heather M. Aldersey ()
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Caitlin Piccone: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Xiaolin Xu: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Donna Thomson: McMaster Continuing Education, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
Navjit Gaurav: Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 721302, India
Heather M. Aldersey: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada

Disabilities, 2024, vol. 4, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: Despite the recognition of the importance of both formal and natural supports for adults with developmental disabilities, there is limited research on how organizations integrate these supports in the Canadian context. Using a collective case study design, this study explored how three organizations in British Columbia, Canada, facilitate the integration of formal and natural supports to improve the lives of adults with developmental disabilities. Data were collected through a comprehensive document review, interviews, and focus groups. The analysis was conducted in multiple phases, focusing initially on individual cases and then on cross-case themes. This research revealed both similarities and differences across three organizational approaches to integrating formal and natural supports for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Key themes were identified, including the importance of relationships in this work, the creation of natural supports through formal supports and brokered community connections, systemic changes and innovative approaches, and the impact of funding models on organizational support. The findings highlight the critical need for organizations to build trust-based relationships between staff and the people they serve and to provide flexible support that adapts to changing needs and circumstances, facilitated by funders allowing for such flexibility. This study also underlines the value of formal supports in establishing natural networks and the necessity for cross-organizational partnerships to foster innovation and implement effective changes in the provision of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Keywords: disability; natural supports; formal supports; community support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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