A developing area in the research literature is the analysis of support networks.  You were provided a significant background in the McNair article about networks and their importance.  Further work still needs to be done to actually develop instruments to assess support networks.  Your instructor did a presentation at a national conference recently on the topic.  A link to the PowerPoint presentation he did is provided here.  The presentation provides some insight into ideas of interpersonal connectedness and the kinds of relationships people share with one another.

The church needs to step up in this area to be more of a support to persons with disabilities across their lives.  You can help to facilitate that important role by working with your church to ensure that persons with disabilities are being recruited and included.

You can email Dr. McNair at jmcnair@calbaptist.edu

Copyright Jeff McNair/jeffmcnair.com