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| LIFE's Board of Directors initiated a special project in the Spring of 2009 called the Support Network Survey. The goal was to begin a dialogue with support networks in order to understand their experiences. It was an opportunity for networks to share a realistic snapshot of their successes and challenges. The ultimate and ongoing goal for the Board was to have a deeper understanding of experiences in order to better plan for ways to help strengthen and sustain networks.
LIFE contracted with Karen Leggat to meet with interested networks and document the many discussions and stories. Each individual and his/her network were invited to meet with Karen. Seventeen responded positively and meetings were set up in the Fall of 2009.
Networks are unique; no two networks are created or function the same. Each group addressed issues important to them and covered many topics including:
- Sustaining the group
- The roles of families
- Friends and the community
- Staffing and other day to day responsibilities
- Safety and protection
- Decision making
- Flexibility of In the Company of Friends
In February, 2010 Karen presented the Board with a heartwarming document entitled "Their Stories". Each network whose story appears here has given approval, however, all names in the stories have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
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| Who is Karen Leggat?
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| Karen has worked in the area of disability for close to 20 years in various capacities. She has a family centered approach and has experience within government and various non-profit agencies.
Her experience as a former Resource Staff with LIFE and her keen knowledge of being a family member of a person with a disability brought forth her compassion and deep understanding during these discussions.
Karen is currently a member of the Continuity Care and Pulford Boards. She is presently working providing grief supports to families and has an interest in the area of grief and people with intellectual disabilities.
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