# Wheel of Wellness Resource Connector

A Proposal for HELPipedia / SpecialNeeds.help | Kayla Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP | Week of June 16, 2026

The Problem
Families navigating disability and caregiving often do not know what they need until someone asks the right questions. A directory is powerful when you know what to search for. An assessment tool is powerful when you do not.

The Solution
An interactive, web-based Wheel of Wellness Assessment that asks caregivers and individuals with disabilities targeted questions across six wellness dimensions, scores each area, and automatically maps their needs to resources in the SpecialNeeds.help directory. Users arrive unsure of what they need. They leave with a personalized resource plan.

The Six Dimensions

Dimension | Focus | Resource Connections
--- | --- | ---
Physical | Rest, movement, nutrition, medical care | Respite care, medical providers, adaptive recreation
Emotional | Naming feelings, coping, support | Counseling referrals, caregiver support groups, crisis lines
Social | Connection, understanding, community | Parent mentors, local support networks, peer matching
Practical | Finances, advocacy, schedules, systems | IEP advocates, legal aid, benefits navigation
Purpose | Meaning, identity, values, hope | Faith communities, disability-affirming organizations
Growth | Learning, creativity, becoming | Training, conferences, podcasts, creative programs

Why It Matters

- Mission alignment: Bridges the gap between knowledge and opportunity
- Differentiator: No other disability directory offers a clinically grounded needs assessment
- Engagement: Personalized entry point increases return visits and directory use
- Data insight: Anonymous aggregate data reveals community needs for content and fundraising
- Scalable: Works for any new resource area added to SpecialNeeds.help
- Measurable: Completion rates, click-through, referrals all trackable