Support is very important to a family’s mental and physical health as well as its ability to cope. That goes double for individuals and families with disabilities, family supportwhere support then becomes a critical issue. Families with disabilities are not just dealing with young children with disabilities. It affects people of all ages. As baby-boomers age, families may be dealing with cross-generational support issues.

Support can come in many shapes and sizes, such as respite care or a support group offering a sympathetic ear to listen.

All members of the family are affected when a child is diagnosed with a disability. Family-focused support services see the individual who has a disability as part of the family and the community rather than an isolated individual.