In a world where individuals with disabilities often face societal barriers and misconceptions, Starfire is pioneering a transformative approach to building inclusive communities. Based in Cincinnati, Starfire’s mission is to support families in creating strong social connections and empowering their children with disabilities to be seen and valued as individuals.
This innovative program has now made its way to Rhode Island, with the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) underwriting a RI Family Leadership Network in collaboration with Best Life RI. In September, Sue Raposo, of Best Life RI, was invited to attend a conference with the Starfire team in Cincinnati, Ohio. While there several people from Starfire’s family leadership network were in attendance. “They were sharing stories of community, relationship building and connection with each other. This is exactly what Rhode Island needs.”
Interested participants can visit the BestLifeRI.com website to see their upcoming event schedule and register to attend.
In Rhode Island, Starfire’s RI Coordinator, Nithya Narayan serves as a mentor, reaching out to and guiding families through their projects and supporting them in building community connections. The network offers monthly learning sessions open to all families, providing a platform for sharing experiences, learning new strategies, and fostering a sense of community.
These sessions are crucial for families in the early stages of their projects. They offer insights, encouragement, and practical advice, helping families navigate the challenges and celebrate their successes.
Starfire is an inspiring organization focused on fostering community integration and reducing isolation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This Cincinnati-based nonprofit has created a unique approach that emphasizes family-led, community-driven initiatives.
Here’s a closer look at how Starfire operates and the impact it has on families and communities.
The Family Leadership Network
Starfire’s work with families follows a structured yet flexible process, guiding them through phases of discovery, exploration, and activation. This journey begins with helping families uncover their child’s gifts and interests. By focusing on what makes each child unique and passionate, families can start to see beyond the traditional service-driven model that often defines the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Carol Coombs, Family Leadership Network Coordinator, says, “My biggest hope for any person, any family is that they have some strong social connections in their life. That way when they are facing life, whether it’s in times of joy, or sadness, that they have people there supporting them, that are in their circle, cheering them on, and loving them, because relationships are essential to who we are as humans.”
Starfire’s Family Leadership Network began taking shape in 2017, driven by the vision that families could lead the organization’s mission. This approach emerged from recognizing that traditional service programs often isolated individuals with disabilities and their families. Instead of perpetuating this cycle, Starfire chose to invest directly in families, allowing them to create and lead their community projects.
In addition to this new RI initiative, the Family Leadership Network has expanded beyond Ohio, reaching families in Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Discovery Phase
This initial phase is about identifying and appreciating the unique talents and interests of the individual. For instance, a child might have a keen interest in art or a love for birds. Recognizing these interests lays the foundation for building meaningful connections within the community.
Exploration Phase
Families then explore how these gifts can be shared with others. This phase involves reaching out to potential allies in the community, such as local libraries, art groups, or nature clubs. It’s about finding and nurturing relationships that are based on shared interests rather than disabilities.
Activation Phase
The final phase is about bringing these connections to life. Families are supported in initiating community projects or events that center around their child’s interests. This could be anything from hosting a tea party to organizing a community art exhibit. The goal is to create spaces where individuals with disabilities are valued for who they are, not defined by their disabilities.
Shifting the Narrative and Leading with Humanity
A crucial element of Starfire’s philosophy is leading with the humanity of the individual rather than their disability. This means introducing a person not as “someone with a disability,” but as a “bird lover,” “expert artist,” or “car enthusiast.” This subtle shift in language and perspective has profound implications for how individuals with disabilities are perceived and included in the community.
For example, in traditional settings, individuals with disabilities might be seen primarily through the lens of their limitations. However, by emphasizing their interests and strengths, Starfire helps families and communities to see the person first. This approach not only changes public perception but also empowers the individuals themselves to see beyond their disabilities.
Overcoming Cultural and Societal Barriers
Historically, people with disabilities have been marginalized, often seen as less capable or even disposable. This deeply ingrained societal attitude creates significant barriers to forming strong social connections. Starfire addresses these barriers by fostering environments where individuals with disabilities can thrive as active, contributing members of their communities.
In Rhode Island, for example, the program has begun to take root, with families participating in monthly learning sessions and mentoring. These sessions are crucial for building the confidence needed to step outside traditional support systems and engage with the broader community. The process of reaching out and forming new connections is challenging, especially given the societal tendency towards isolation exacerbated by technology and social media.
A significant challenge in this work is shifting from a service-driven mindset to a community-led approach. Families often start with little experience in engaging their broader communities. Starfire supports them through this transition, helping them build confidence and resilience.
For instance, Nithya Narayan, Family Mentor and RI Project Coordinator, shared her experience of becoming braver and more confident as she engaged with her local community. By continuously reaching out and participating in community activities, she overcame initial hesitations and now comfortably connects with others without fear.
Another challenge is navigating privacy and the representation of individuals with disabilities. Starfire places great emphasis on the privacy and autonomy of the families they work with. Families are encouraged to share their stories on their terms, ensuring that they maintain control over their narratives. This respect for privacy is vital in creating a safe and supportive environment where families feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of being defined by their child’s disability.
Real-Life Impact: Stories of Transformation
The impact of Starfire’s approach can be seen in the real-life stories of the families they support. One mother, for example, shared how participating in community projects made her more aware of everyone’s gifts, and how everyone is a valuable and contributing member of the community. By repeatedly stepping out of her comfort zone, she was able to overcome her initial hesitation and now feels comfortable showing up and participating in various community activities.
Another story highlights the importance of shifting public perception. A mother recalled how her son, Grayson, was initially known as the “disabled boy” in their community. Through their involvement with Starfire, they were able to reframe his identity, leading with his passions and contributions rather than his disability. This not only changed how others saw Grayson but it also gave Grayson the opportunity to become named and known as a connector and an activator in his community.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Starfire’s work is about more than just inclusion; it’s about changing the way we perceive and interact with people with disabilities. By focusing on humanity, strengths, and interests, Starfire is helping to create communities where everyone is valued and connected. This transformative approach not only benefits individuals with disabilities and their families but also enriches the entire community.
The Family Leadership Network exemplifies the power of family-led initiatives in fostering inclusive communities. By empowering families to discover their gifts, explore their communities, and activate meaningful projects, Starfire is creating a ripple effect of connection and belonging. As these efforts continue to grow, they offer a promising model for other communities seeking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
As Starfire continues to expand its reach, the hope is that more families will embrace this philosophy, leading to a more inclusive and supportive society for all. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or large community projects, the impact of these efforts is profound and far-reaching.
For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Starfire offers various resources and support systems to help families on their journey. Together, we can build a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is seen, valued, and connected.