Valued Life Experience 1: Belonging

First, experiencing belonging through a variety of relationships with those who are involved in the person’s life and memberships.  

According to Erik Carter, a researcher, and professor at Vanderbilt University, whose work has a focus on the successful transition of students with disabilities to life after high school, “Belonging is rooted in relationships.  Having people in our lives who know us, like us, accept us, need us, miss us, and love us is at the heart of our well-being.”  

Memberships in both formal organizations, (for example, a faith community), as well as informal (for example a pick-up basketball game on Monday nights at a neighborhood park), are a means to this experience.