What are "natural supports" in the context of DSP practice?

Natural supports refer to the resources and relationships that exist within an individual's community that provide assistance and social interaction. This can include family members, friends, neighbors, and community organizations that help individuals lead more fulfilling lives without relying solely on formalized services. The concept emphasizes fostering connections with these informal support systems as they can enhance the individual’s quality of life and promote independence.

In contrast, formal support networks like government agencies, which are highlighted in one of the options, typically represent structured assistance rather than community-based resources. Similarly, in-home technology solutions and temporary assistance programs focus on specific, often time-limited, types of aid rather than promoting ongoing relationships and community integration that are central to the idea of natural supports.