An estimated 7.2 million people[1] living in the United States have mental retardation and related developmental disabilities.
The Center for Disease Control estimated that over 929,000[2] people were diagnosed with AIDS in the United States between 1980 and 2003 (the number of people who have had AIDS/HIV could be higher due to incomplete reporting).
Over 2 million women[3] in the United States living today have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Approximately 1 in 7 will have breast cancer at some time in her life, and it is estimated that more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the next year.
Sicknesses and disabilities impact a large number of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and circumstances. Most people know someone who has a disability or is or has been sick with a temporary or longer-term disease. Almost everyone will encounter some type of challenge in life, and we will all be affected at one time or another.
Developmental Disabilities. Autism. HIV/AIDS. Hepatitis. Cancer. Diabetes. Stroke. Heart disease. Etc.
These words and many others often bring some combination of fear, sadness, discomfort and/or uncertainty to people, including children. We often have memories of difficult, scary moments – or perhaps even sweet or tender moments – in our lives when we or a loved one had a personal connection with a sickness or disability.
While new research has advanced our medical and scientific understandings and treatments, many questions and uncertainties continue to surround disabilities and sicknesses. Many of the questions we have are about how individuals or loved ones will be affected. We do not often understand all of the “why mes” and “how longs” and “hows.” Not knowing the answers can be difficult.
Often people with a disability or sickness, along with their caregivers and families, need some extra support and tender loving care). Because each of us will be affected in some way, it’s nice to reach out and give to others when we are in a position to help. Many opportunities exist for families to help others who are going through trying experiences.
For some volunteers, it’s challenging at first to reach outside their comfort zone and get to know different people or those who are going through a tough situation in life. People come first – not their disabilities or sicknesses – and when we remember this we are able to develop special friendships and see more similarities than differences.
Many families and individuals who have committed the time to get to know “buddies” – whether people who are blind, sick or have developmental disabilities – have built rewarding friendships. The lessons and experiences learned are worth overcoming any initial fears or feelings of discomfort.
Families will provide (and also receive!) many benefits from time spent together with sick or disabled people and their families. They will:
- provide opportunities for socialization
- develop friendship with individuals and find joy in shared experiences
- have fun
- integrate individuals and families into society and the larger community
Do you and your children want to have new experiences helping others? Share in meaningful conversations and/or interactions with people who are going through some tough times? Overcome stereotypes about people with mental or developmental disabilities? Or even lend some support “behind the scenes” through less direct service? There are plenty of ways that you can….
Get Involved!
Click here for a list of volunteer suggestions for ways you and your family could help sick or disabled people and their families!
Many organizations have ongoing, flexible types of opportunities for people interested in volunteering with sick or disabled people and their loved ones. To learn about specific opportunities to develop new friendships through volunteering in your area, register here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflections and Activities
Other Resources