Developing a strategy to combat the effects of social isolationism in adults with disabilities

Individuals who suffer from physical and mental disabilities often experience emotional difficulties that happen alongside their physical and mental disabilities. These emotional difficulties have the ability to hinder an individual's capacity to learn and grow to their fullest potential. Social isolationism can sometimes be a byproduct of a person with a disability who does not have a strong social or family network. This can lead to negative behaviors such as advanced depression or even thoughts of suicide. This project is a feasibility study of a possible human interaction intervention program. Working under a group theory it is anticipated that through a monthly support group, members of the disabled community can combat isolationism. This feasibility study supports the conclusion that it is possible for Humboldt County to create a psychosocial intervention program that could help reduce the potential negative effects of social isolation issues in adults with disabilities. Some of the key agencies that were focused on were the Humboldt State University Student Disability Resource Center, The Eureka C.A., Adult Protective Services Agency and the Eureka C.A., Hope Center to discuss the possibility of a new programs needs and limitations. This process has the potential to be further developed into reaching out to other vulnerable populations that could possibly greatly benefit for this process. Ultimately this feasibility project is about a greater potential for community growth and interaction for all members of the community. Through our interconnectivity social problems have greater potential to eventually be solved.