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The Power of Connection: International Day of Friendship

– DASCH Inc.

When Jenny considered moving into a DASCH-supported home, her potential roommates invited her to a sleepover pajama party. At the party, Karen’s laugh-until-you-cry jokes and goofy dance moves had Jenny telling her mom the following day, “I have to move into this house!”

Jenny and Karen met nearly 30 years ago at a Special Olympics meet in Saskatchewan. Reconnecting at DASCH, they’ve been best friends ever since.

They attend DASCHWorks together, enjoy coffee dates, and attend overnight camps. They’ve also faced tough times, like the passing of a roommate, Karen missing her out-of-town family, and Jenny’s boyfriend developing dementia.

“When I’m sad, Karen tells me, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to be okay,’” Jenny says.

Friends Jenny and Karen sit on a bench outside the DASCH Support Centre.

Karen and Jenny show how community and connection are essential for our well-being, making us feel seen, cared for, and like we belong.

Unfortunately, not everyone always feels so connected. Loneliness is a growing global health concern, with nearly one in four people reporting regular loneliness. This number is even higher for people with intellectual disabilities, with up to half feeling chronically lonely.

Loneliness in people with intellectual disabilities

A study from the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities explored factors contributing to higher rates of loneliness and isolation for people with intellectual disabilities:

Social attitudes and expectations

Unfortunately, many people still have negative views of those with intellectual disabilities. If someone doesn’t respect and value your existence, it limits your opportunities to connect and make friends.

Communication and social skills

People living with intellectual disabilities often have different communication styles, may have trouble reading social cues, and need more support with self-regulation.

Opportunities to connect

The two factors above contribute to fewer opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to meet, connect, and build friendships, which in turn limits the chance to strengthen their social skills.

Dante and Marson‘s Friendship

Marson, a good friend of DASCH community member Dante, says he used to be very shy in school and had a hard time making friends. Meeting Dante at their day program helped him come out of his shell.

“I learned to be a happier person from Dante,” Marson says.

Photo collage of friends Dante and Marson.

The two talk every day and enjoy going on bike rides, swimming, watching movies, and hanging out at each other’s houses. They recently went on a trip to Mexico and plan to go on a hot-air balloon ride together.

“I learned to be true and kind [from Marson],” Dante says, “It makes me happy to have a friend.”

Support the Power of Friendship

On International Day of Friendship, we’re reminded that everyone deserves to have a friendship like Jenny and Karen, or Dante and Marson. At DASCH, we aim to provide support and create spaces where meaningful connections can flourish, such as the DASCH Day Program, Cultural Connections, DASCHWorks, and more.

Your support of DASCH and the DASCH Foundation helps us continue to encourage and advocate for inclusion and create environments where friendships can grow and thrive. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to feel like they belong.