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Chrome Collective’s Goal? True Community Integration

Welcoming  people with disabilities into the larger community  to fully participate in life at the same level as nondisabled individuals with benefits to all.

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Overcoming Barriers to Community Integration

There are barriers to community integration that can keep people with disabilities on the sidelines. The UDS website highlights some of the issues that we are combatting.

Feelings of Devaluation & Marginalization

When people feel viewed more as their disability label than a valuable individual, they’re less likely to participate in community integration. People with disabilities often feel invisible, unwelcome, and like a burden on society. In fact, the stigma of being someone with a disability can be more of a hindrance than one’s actual disability.

• The Collective actively encourages participation in the wider community and provides supportive opportunities for integration.
• Through our marketing efforts people will see others,  just like them, out and about in the community.

Lack of Knowledge & Capabilities

Many people with disabilities aren’t aware of the full range of supports and services available to them.

Some have underdeveloped social skills, and many feel crippling anxiety when it comes to community integration. Not understanding their rights (and underestimating their capabilities) prohibits them from taking advantage of every available resource.

• Our advocacy service pinpoints the right support for a person’s needs.
• We work on developing social skills in the retail space and adapt learning approaches to abilities.
• We seek out training opportunities to develop confidence.

Lack of Transportation

The most common practical barrier to community integration is a lack of reliable transportation. People who don’t drive or have access to public transportation are unable to engage in and benefit from activities that promote community integration.

• Having a central location with easy access for those with mobility issues is key to the Collective’s success. We’re also looking to develop a local transport ‘network’ to open up more employment opportunities.

Family Resistance

Many people with disabilities live with and are cared for by members of their immediate family. These family members may be overprotective of their loved ones with a disability, preventing them from participating in community integration programs.

• We use marketing tools and community outreach to show families how other people have benefitted from being part of the wider community.
• We offer peer support through the Parent to Parent group and welcome caregivers into all our activities. Once they see how other participants are growing and thriving, these barriers naturally reduce.

Lack of Funding & Staff Resources

Many organizations that provide community activities do not receive adequate funding. Without enough money, these groups cannot offer the programs and activities that are vital to successful community integration. Additionally, many of them do not have appropriately trained staff with the capability to fully support clients mentally and emotionally.

• We approach a range of funding providers for support on our journey to becoming self-funding.
• We accept guidance from funders and encourage feedback.