Megan Williamson

Overview
My project focused on family education and support through expanding
knowledge of available resources in our area. I created a Resource Brochure, a Resource Booklet, and organized a Resource Fair. I also conducted pre and post
surveys of ESP Families to gauge need.
What I learned through this process is that often times, people are unaware of
what lies in their own back yard! Not only was I able to support families through
increasing their knowledge, but I also learned so much about what awesome things
are out there for people with disabilities!

Main Takeaways from Research

Family involvement in a person with a disabilitys life is critical to the development of a positive self identity, high self esteem, and high self determination.
Family training, education, and support leads to better outcomes over the
lifespan for people with disabilities and their families
What is key to appropriate services for people with disabilities is the careful
assessment of an individual at different points throughout the lifespan
Families can be the most effective pillars of positive change for a person with
a disability in nearly all areas: social, emotional, communicative, and behavioral
Through adequate support from their family, a person with a disability can
have an increased sense of autonomy

Main Takeaways from Project

Our community loves serving people with disabilities!

Businesses, services, therapy outlets, and others have the desire to serve this
population in greater ways, but often times face barriers
Partnerships can be created across communities when there are structured
opportunities
Families desire information that is comprehensive, concise, and conversational
Families have the desire to get the whole family more involved in the services
the person with a disability in their life utilizes
Families desire learning about services that are closer to home (our area)