How to Build a Social Support Network with a Disability | Practical & Personal Tips

Editor's Note: At URevolution, we believe that no one should navigate life with a disability alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with a disability for years, learning how to build a social support network with a disability is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health, independence, and well-being. In this article, we explore the real-life experiences of our contributors and offer practical strategies to help you find the connection, peer support, and advocacy you deserve. Because building a support system isn't just about getting help—it's about reclaiming your voice, your power, and your place in the world.

When a person is diagnosed with a disability, it is important that they have a support network. No one is able to do everything, and needs help at some point. It’s important to note that a person with a disability is first a person who has strengths and struggles. Each person will have different needs and experiences even if they share the same diagnosis. I know that without the assistance of so many people, I wouldn’t have achieved the success I have now.

My first support with a disability came from my parents. They attended all of my Individual Education Plan meetings. During this time, students were not encouraged to participate in these meetings, but my parents asked if I had anything I wanted them to discuss. Now, students are typically included in these meetings.

I also had support services beginning in Kindergarten. I had Learning Support teachers who offered me specialty instruction. I was placed in regular Science and Social studies classes with support. I had extended the test time, and the test was read aloud to me. The general education teacher worked with the learning support teacher and my parents. Eventually, I was in all regular classes except for Math and the resource room. Having specialty instruction in all areas helped enhance my reading, which was already a strength of mine. They also helped me to learn strategies to help cope with difficult aspects of my disability, such as math and eye-hand coordination.

During my post-secondary years, I still needed support from others. In college, it was my responsibility to seek services from the Office of Students with Disabilities and other disability agencies to receive accommodations. I also worked with my professors and let them know that I had a disability. I utilized accommodations such as extended test time, a note-taker, and tutoring. I didn’t initially use these services because of the stigma that they created. When I didn’t use them, my grades suffered, and I struggled to perform well. Using the services and communicating with my professors demonstrated that I was making an effort to engage. 

Not every instructor was understanding. I had ones who didn’t understand that I needed to have those supports and said that they didn’t make exceptions. Other professionals told me I would have limited job and educational choices. Thankfully, I had instructors who were understanding and worked with me.

After college, I had to work with my employer to receive job accommodations. I have had employers who weren’t understanding, and the jobs didn’t work out. Some of them didn't think that I was disabled and thought I was making mistakes on purpose. My disability is invisible, which means some people think it doesn't exist because they can’t see it; it's not there. Thankfully, I have an excellent job with an understanding staff that works with me.

I’m also not able to drive because of the Visual perception part of my disability. I have an excellent support system of people who take me places. My husband is able to take me to work and other areas that I need to go to. I have supportive coworkers who give me rides home. I also have family and other friends who give me rides, too. When I’m unable to get a ride, I live in an area where I can walk to where I need to go.

Another important part of support is having peer support with others who have a disability. My family and friends love me, but may not understand what life with one is like. Having a connection with others who have a disability, especially those with the same one, is essential. They have a better understanding of what one is like because they share a similar experience.