Making friends may come natural to most but may not be the case for someone with a disability… really?

 I’m embarrassed to say that my sister had to make me aware of the fact that making friends can be difficult. I’ve always been a little shy, but I was always fortunate enough to find a good friend. I’ve had the same best friend since I was in seventh grade, and over the years I’ve managed to make a few more. What I didn’t know is that individuals with disabilities often struggle with things we don’t think twice about, like making friends. My sister was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was a baby. Today she is the proud single parent  of my wonderful nephew Malik 🥰.  She has made a few friends over the years but told me how difficult socializing can be.  My sister is one of the most giving, loving, sweet and sincere people I know, so when she told me she struggled with getting to know people I was heart broken. My sister talked about how many of the people she met in social programs were  much younger than her, and finding friends amongst her peers outside of social programs was almost impossible. Making friends may come  natural to most but may not be the case for someone with a disability. I know there are a few programs out there that give social events.  But I’m sure going to an event once a year or a social program a few times a month isn’t a lot of time to make a good friend. So, I think it’s time that we change the way we meet people and make them our friend. Do you have a friend with an exceptionality. A person with a disability that’s not related to you in anyway. I for one love talking to people about their stories, so I’m asking you to share your story. How did you meet? What do y’all like to do for fun? How long have y’all be friends? What are some milestones that you’ve gone there together? What are some challenges that y’all have faced together? Let’s talk about it. 

💙💛 Keep STRIVE-ing