Finding the right place
Living in the community means being a part of the world around us. When we are integrated into our communities, activity and participation naturally increase. Being connected to others not only allows us to contribute to the life of the community, but also helps us build meaningful relationships and gain access to a wider rang of opportunities.
Integration is more than just being present – it’s about exposure to, and acceptance of a diverse group of people. It’s through these connections that people learn, grow, and build social capital. Being part of an inclusive, integrated community opens doors to experiences that help people build skills, increase independence and find belonging.
This section includes tools and resources to support people in finding and engaging with their communities, from volunteer opportunities to exploring what’s available in communities throughout the city. These opportunities can help people connect with others with similar interests and values, contribute to things they care about, and gain new experiences. Resources also include digital literacy, navigating social media, accessing supported employment and work opportunities, and leisure opportunities. By supporting people to connect with their environment, they can create paths to thrive, contribute, and be valued members of the world around them.
Map it out!
Mapping exercise – Take some time with your team to work through this exercise. Together you’ll look at the community participation, connections, and valued social roles of the group and people you support. Discuss and explore what you can do as a team to create more opportunities for the people you support to be included, connected and contribute to their communities. Mapping exercise instructions. PDF (Abilities Manitoba)
Tips for community connections: building bridges
Offer a variety of options to explore
Tip: Introduce a variety of activities, spaces, and experiences based on their interests. Present the options in a way that allows the person to make their own choices about what they want to explore. The goal is to expose them to many possibilities so they can discover new things they like.
Example: If someone enjoys art, they might choose between visiting an art gallery, attending a pottery class, or participating in a community mural project. It’s about giving them the power to explore the options that resonate with them.
Encourage small wins and celebrate progress
Tip: Break down bigger experiences into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate every victory along the way. This builds confidence and reduces anxiety about new environments.
Example: If someone wants to visit a new coffee shop, support them step-by-step—maybe just walking to the door first, and on the next visit, entering and ordering, eventually staying to enjoy a coffee. Small wins might include feeling comfortable ordering, learning the layout of the shop, or striking up a conversation with a barista. Every step is a success!
Repetition is key for comfort, confidence, and connection
Tip: The more someone is in a place, the more familiar they will become with it, making it easier to interact with others and engage in activities. Repetition creates comfort, helps build relationships, and strengthens connections over time.
Example: Visiting a local park once a week to join a walking group, or regularly volunteering at the same community event, gives people the opportunity to get to know others and build friendships. Over time, the more they interact with others in these spaces, the more likely they are to develop meaningful, lasting relationships and a sense of belonging.
Provide education about community resources and opportunities
Tip: Exposing people to a diverse range of people and social spaces helps them build social capital. Encourage them to step outside their comfort zone, meet new people, and interact with a variety of community members.
Example: Take someone to a new event where they can meet others—whether that’s a club meeting, a volunteering opportunity, or even a casual social gathering at a local café. The more they experience, the more connections they can form.
Model and support reciprocity in relationships
Tip: Support people to engage in reciprocal relationships—where both parties give and receive. These relationships are key to building trust, belonging, and social capital.
Example: Help someone find ways to volunteer their skills or contribute to their community, like offering to help clean up at a local park or participating in a community meal. These opportunities allow them to give back and form mutual relationships.
Be Flexible and responsive
Tip: Recognize that everyone’s comfort level different. Some people may need to ease into new experiences gradually, while others may prefer to jump in right away.
Example: If someone is hesitant to join a community event, you could first invite them to attend as an observer or in a smaller group. Gradually increase the level of participation as they become more comfortable.
Support decision-making
Tip: Encourage people to explore new opportunities, but always respect their choice to say “no” or to choose differently. Empower them to make their own decisions about where and how they want to spend their time.
Example: If a person chooses not to participate in a certain event, respect their decision, and offer other alternatives that might interest them. This respects their autonomy and creates a safe space for exploration without pressure.
Find and nurture social roles
Tip: Help people identify social roles they can take on in their communities, like becoming a member of a local group, a regular at a local café, or a participant in a recurring community event. These roles can give them a sense of purpose and belonging.
Example: If someone enjoys gardening, they could join a community gardening project. If they enjoy talking to others, they could volunteer at a community info desk. The more roles they take on, the more they contribute and belong.
Promote new opportunities
Tip: Continuous exposure to new environments is essential for growth. Encourage people to try new experiences regularly to learn what they enjoy, develop social networks, and broaden their understanding of the world.
Example: Help someone explore a variety of settings: a different coffee shop, a museum, a community meeting, or a sports event. Over time, they’ll develop a rich tapestry of experiences and relationships that make them feel connected to their community.
Making what’s happening in the community relevant: From interests to opportunity
Supporting someone to be part of their community isn’t just about helping them show up. It’s about helping them find a place that truly matters. Finding the right place, the right people, and the right role takes intention. When we connect someone’s interests, strengths and values to real things happening in the community, we’re not just supporting them to participate. We’re supporting them to be known, valued and included.
When community feels relevant and meaningful, confidence grows, relationships form, and belonging follows.
How to do it
- Know the person
Understand their passions, strengths and what energizes them. Be intentional. Look for what makes them tick. As questions!
- What are their top interests or passions right now?
- What strengths, talents, or contributions do they enjoy sharing?
- What environments make them feel most comfortable and confident?
- What kinds of people or social settings energize them? (creative, outdoors, calm, high-energy?)
- What do they want more of in their life?
- Explore the community
Look at the community through the lens of relevance and opportunity. Identify places, spaces, and people where the person could participate meaningfully:
- What’s already happening in the community that connects to these interests? (clubs, events, groups, places)
- Are there multiple ways to participate? Visit, join, volunteer or contribute?
- Who are the natural connectors or “welcomers” in this space?
- Are there barriers (physical, sensory, social, attitudinal)? If so, how can we address or remove them?
- How could this place or activity expand the person’s relationships or networks?
- Make it relevant
Consider how to tailor the experience so it feels meaningful and personal:
- How does this activity connect with what matters most to them?
- What could make this experience feel personally meaningful?
- How can their contributions be highlighted or celebrated?
- Does this setting provide opportunities for reciprocity?
- How will we know this experience is working? (joy, comfort, connection, repeat visits?)
- Act and reflect
Take the first step, reflect on the experience together, and make adjustments so it feels right for them.
- What is our first step to support them to explore this opportunity?
- Who can help us connect or make introductions?
- Ask after, what felt good? What felt awkward? What should we adjust next time?
- How might this grow into a valued social role or longer-term connection?
Be an Anthropological Spy: Explore the setting before you plug in
Often the best way to support someone into the community is by quietly exploring the environment ahead of time. Check out the space, people, routines and culture. This isn’t about introducing ourselves or becoming a part of the group first. It’s about gathering information so that we can support someone to be successful.
Why it matters:
- It can help to reduce anxiety because the person is prepared.
- You can support them to identify possible roles, contributions, and welcoming cues.
- Ensures the place is truly integrated and not just a place they go.
- It can help to build confidence and trust before full participation.
How to do it:
Observe
Go to the place at the same time the person would go and watch. Look at who’s there? What do they do? How do they dress/talk/interact?
Example
The person you support loves houseplants and often talks about growing the biggest monstera in the city. You discover a small, informal plant-share group at the local library. You swing by one week to observe:
People bring plant cuttings to swap and share growing tips.
They chat about pests, humidity and “Weird new growths”
The vibe is friendly and low-pressure. No one is rushed of formal.
One member always brings extra soil and pots for anyone who needs them.
You notice the group mostly communicates through a Facebook page.
Gather information
take note of the environment, routines, people, dress code, language, pace. Is the space welcoming? Are there obvious ways someone could contribute? Are there barriers?
Example
You notice the group communicates through a small Facebook page and that the library room is easy to access. Conversations are informal and people naturally pause to show each other their plants. The routine is simple: set down your plant cuttings, look at others and share tips.
Map possible roles
Based on what you saw, brainstorm how the person you support can join in.
Example
For the plant-lover you support, roles might include: bringing a cutting from their beloved monstera, offering a tip about leaf splitting or watering, helping someone repot, or simply participating as someone wager to grow “the biggest monstera in the city.” Their passion fits perfectly with the group’s energy.
Prepare the Person
Share what you learned about the group.
Example
There’s a mix of beginners and plant pros. People love sharing things, so bringing a small monstera cutting could be a great conversation starter. The group is really relaxed, which seems like your style. They mostly chat about plant care and trade tips, There’s even someone who brings extra soil and pots, so you won’t need anything fancy.
Make it relevant and reciprocal
Support the person to connect their interest or strength to something the group cares about. This strengthens belonging and contribution.
Example
You can highlight that people in this group love learning new plant tricks. You’re great at spotting when a plant needs more humidity – that’s something you could teach someone. Since they’re always swapping cuttings, your monstera could be a hit. You’d be giving something real that fits perfectly with what the group values.
Follow-up
After the visit, talk about how it went.
Example
Check and ask questions. Did you like the pace? Was talking about plants easy? Did you feel comfortable with the group? Maybe they say the Facebook page feels intimidating and you could offer to look at it together. Maybe they felt excited that someone asked about their monstera. Then plan a second visit. Maybe bring a slightly bigger cutting or offer to help someone repot.
Helpful Extras
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – website, United Nations
”I’ve never said, ever in my life, “Joe, do you want to go with me to the mall to experience my inclusion and integration with me?” – Dave Hingsburger Keep reading article
Supporting Inclusion and Community Participation – Leading Practice Guidelines, Abilities Manitoba
The Right to Live in the Community – People First of Canada –