Affiliations: The Arc of Monroe County, The Institute for Social
Inclusion, Rochester, NY, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Angela N. Parris, The Arc of Monroe
County, The Institute for Social Inclusion, 985 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY
14620, USA. Tel.: +1 585 672 2202; Fax: +1 585 672 2215; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: The Arc of Monroe County recently developed two major initiatives
designed to increase the social capital of individuals we serve, our staff and
our organization. One Good Turn was established in 2004 to demonstrate
our commitment to volunteerism. Only two years later our constituents had
reported over 10,000 hours of community service in the Rochester area. Through
this reporting, we witnessed new relationships, shared knowledge and expanded
resources. Community neighbors and businesses understood more about people with
disabilities and they began to see individuals we serve and our organization in
a different light – a useful and functional light; and our community was
strengthened because of it. Soon after, The Institute for Social
Inclusion was established to begin driving the concepts of social capital
throughout our community. This article shares what we have learned about the
power and impact that social capital has for people with disabilities.
Throughout, there are examples to document the critical relativity to vocation,
school-to-work transition, and the role of service providers for individuals
with disabilities. WHY … The Arc of Monroe County has dedicated
so many resources to furthering our person-centered services through the
cultivation of social capital.
Keywords: Disability, person-centered, social capital, inclusion, service providers
