This is a great blog on disability.gov written by guest blogger Neal Seigrfried about the power of networking for people with disabilities. He explains that there are many different types of networking. He also points out that networking can be used for many different things-- not just employment. Networking can be beneficial in so many ways!

The Power of Networking

By Neil Seigrfried

For those of us with any kind of disability, we live our life in a normal world. We have to face the fact that only 20 percent of the U.S. population is disabled and many disabilities are not visually detected. For those of us who use a mobility aide or prosthesis, we have to get used to the stares and questions that are inevitable. Its always nice to learn how others in the same boat deal with this. This can be done best through networking.

Networking comes in different forms. A neighborhood, school or business function can be networking. In todays online world, social media is a huge form of networking. Simply put, networking is interacting with other people to exchange information and develop contacts.

Networking allows people to market themselves as in a possible career move. One can network to make social connections. We can also use networking to build on knowledge. We learn to live with what we are dealt. Unfortunately, some of us only learn enough to get by in our day-to-day routine. Networking allows people to expand their world by sharing ways of doing tasks. You might find that one way is easier and more efficient than the way you were first shown.

It becomes empowering to attend any event or function designed for people with disabilities. It is especially cool to attend a function designed specifically for your disability. I have been an amputee since 2004. In May 2004, after losing my leg in April, I read about a conference for amputees that was to be held that summer in Nashville. I felt the need to attend. Walking into the conference hotel was like, Gee, Ive arrived where I belong. Everywhere you looked were scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and lots and lots of prosthetic legs and arms.

I connected with as many people as I could to try to learn as much as I could about my new life. Everywhere I turned was a new learning experience. There were sessions available for just about everything you might encounter in life, even one on how to be intimate. I even took an acting class that was taught by an amputee actor. Such a great experience!!

That first conference for me was an epiphany. I learned more about being an amputee and dealing with amputee issues. I walked very well, but I learned how to carry myself better and with more ease. I learned easier ways to lead my daily life. It wasnt all business, though. There was pool time, where you could learn even more. Getting in and out of a pool isnt always easy when you only have one leg. And I was amazed that I did not swim in circles as I was told I would. Meal time and bar time usually gives you a chance to add some colorful touches to your disability. You loosen up a bit and become less rigid. This is the time to make connections with people by comparing and cajoling.

Ive attended every conference since 2004. Ive made friends from around the world. These are true friends, not acquaintances people who I long to spend more time with. I try to welcome and guide new attendees when going to conferences today. It can boggle the mind when youre trying to absorb so much in so little time.

I recently took a cruise through an accessible travel company where amputees were mixed with people with spina bifida. It was interesting to network with these guys. I got to understand more of their abilities as compared with those of an amputee.

Support groups are a great source of networking. These meetings allow people to come together, usually in smaller numbers, to share their experiences. Group meetings can also provide introductions to various aspects of your life you might think youve lost, such as sports, recreation and fitness. I get as much out of our support group meeting by helping someone else as I do from the program itself.

Social media has entered many of our lives. There are online pages for virtually anything and everything out there. Social media provides a real benefit for people with disabilities. It allows people in even the most remote areas to network with others.

The Amputee Coalitionmaintains aFacebook pagefor this purpose. It has exceeded 70,000 likes within its three-year lifespan. It isnt unusual to get 20-25 posts per day with up to 100 responses each. Weve even helped prevent four suicides. Amputees from all walks of life have found us. We help new amputees, their caregivers or family members and amputees who are suddenly experiencing problems after years of normal wear. We even get some who are contemplating amputation. They come to us comparing their present life with a useless limb to that of an amputee. Our primary concern is helping others overcome a problem, but we also become a cheering section for those whove accomplished a particularly difficult task. We share pictures, prayers, love and hope.

Networking can be a meeting of two to an infinite amount of people coming together to share. Share what you want, but have some fun doing it. Be sure to give back as you never know when your way might be the best way. If youre having a problem, dont be afraid to reach out. The next time you see a notice of a chance for networking, try your best to attend. It just might change your life.

Source:https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/09/24/the-power-of-networking/