Star Raft Project Builds Support for Individuals With Disabilities

Project to help people with disabilities and their families build a circle of support, connection and safety

The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities have launched a project to help individuals with disabilities and their families/caregivers through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The Illinois Start Raft Project brings together the tools needed to build a circle of support, connection and increased safety for yourself, a family member or someone for whom you advocate.

The project’s presenter and coach is David Wetherow, founder of the Star Raft Project.

The Star Raft method aims to create lifelong support networks that are person-centered, family-friendly and strengthened by relationships in the larger community.

Wetherow is hosting a six-month set of free weekly Zoom meetings in which participants will find:

• Tools, materials and personal coaching for building a circle of companionship, connection and opportunity for yourself, for a family member or for someone you support.
• An enjoyable method for sharing the work that will wake up everyone’s contribution.
• A ‘navigation chart’ and a set of printable cards that can help you use great strategies and host great meetings.
• Free Zoom accounts and coaching so you and your loved ones can stay connected in the time of social isolation and physical distancing.
• Six months of personal coaching and support for you and your circle.

The best way to learn about the Star Raft method and take your first steps will be to attend one of the introductory Zoom webinars.

Two introductory webinars will be held every Monday, one at 10 a.m. and one at 7 p.m., through February. The morning and afternoon webinar are identical, so you can choose the one that fits your schedule.

For more information about the project and to register for an introductory webinar, click on the Illinois Star Raft Project newsletter.