How to Build Confidence: Feel Connected, Supported, Empowered

Why Does Confidence Matter? 

In a world that often presents barriers for people with disabilities, it can be difficult to build confidence and take pride in your identity. When society is structured around non-disabled norms, confidence becomes the crucial internal resource that empowers us to advocate for ourselves, challenge limiting perceptions, and create space for our authentic participation in all aspects of life.  

Confidence can: 

• Make everyday tasks easier—you know you have the skills to complete what needs to be done 
• Help you engage confidently in social situations and maintain healthy relationships
• Help you better manage stress and difficult situations
• Make it easier to advocate for yourself and others 

It's important to note that confidence is not a constant state of being—your feelings can fluctuate and sometimes impact your beliefs and attitudes, affecting your level of confidence. You can also have confidence in one area of your life but not in another. What matters is being able to tap into confidence and apply it in different situations, in ways that work for you. You may not always be successful, and that’s okay.  

Where Does Confidence Come From? 

There are multiple pathways to confidence. Each of us has unique challenges and life circumstances that can affect where that confidence comes from and if we are able to apply it in our daily life.  

Confidence can come from: 

• Social support systems—friends, family, and other people you respect who believe in you and can provide a sense of security.
• Self-analysis and skill building that support understanding your strengths. This can also help you identify opportunities for improvement and build trust in your own abilities.
• Mastery experiences where you can successfully perform tasks or activities that reinforce your belief in your talent and skills.
• Community connections where you can find pride through relationships with people with disabilities and others who share similar experiences, and where everyone’s identity and contributions are valued. 

Building Confidence with Easterseals 

Confidence can provide essential stability for people with disabilities and their families—confidence offers practical empowerment.   

At Easterseals, we create confidence through:   

• Individual empowerment: Thoughtful, individualized care that supports people so they can develop skills, participate in their communities, secure meaningful employment, and direct their own lives.
• Family and caregiver support systems: Reliable, expert care that not only supports loved ones, but also builds caregivers’ own knowledge and capabilities.   

We deliver results across all ages and life stages, and our approach responds to critical service gaps in disability and community support nationwide. When you connect with Easterseals, you’re joining a community with over 100 years of experience.    

Our commitment ensures that everyone can live life with confidence.