Jeff Strully, a parent leader from America, states that "the lives of all people in our community are measured by our relationships and connectedness to a place called home where people want to be with us because they are our friends". Human services systems disconnect people with disabilities from their neighbours and communities, and the community comes to have a distorted view of their needs. It becomes harder and harder for families to envision a community-based future for their son or daughter. Strully emphasises the importance of friendships which help to ensure that all people can become active members of the community. He provides examples and concludes that it is time for all of us to work towards connecting people with disabilities to a network of support. Keyword: Friendship