Natural Supports

Lean on your supports

Natural supports are supportive relationships that already exist in your life.

These relationships may have been formed at work, at school or in your community.

• If you found your job through networking with someone at the organization, you already have a natural support in the workplace. Talking with your contact about workplace expectations can be extremely helpful before you start your job.
• Participate in orientation and training sessions to learn more about the workplace and how to do your job. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other new employees.
• Talk with your vocational rehabilitation counselor, employment specialist, or job mentor about the relationships you have formed and what you have learned in the work environment. Consider how you may use these relationships and the environment to help you be as successful as possible. For example, if there is a group that gathers daily for lunch, you may ask if you can join them.
• As you meet and connect with new people, determine who might become a natural support for you on the job.