What is Peer Support?

At times, one can encounter barriers that can become a source of frustration, confusion, and disappointment. Sometimes, one can remove these barriers without assistance or support from others. However, there are instances when one requires a self-help support system.

In response to this need, Community Resources for Independence offers Peer Support Services to those consumers who are in need of a self-help support system. Specifically, peer support is a self-help support service in which a person with a disability that has acquired disability related experiences, knowledge, and coping skills, assists other people with disabilities to manage, remove, or cope with their barriers.

The services that are provided are informal and are aimed at empowering the consumer to help himself or herself. This may involve, but is not limited to the following steps:

• Discussing feelings about similar experiences and emotions.
• Identifying barriers and setting goals.
• Sharing information, tips, and resources.
• Locating recreational activities.
• Enabling the consumer to advocate for himself or herself.
• Participating in skills training activities.

Peer Supporters are not trained psychologists or psychiatrists. Rather, they are individuals with disabilities who will assist a consumer in establishing realistic goals best suited to that person's individual search for independence.

How does the program work?

Together, the consumer and peer supporter identify goals and develop a plan of action to reach these goals. Throughout the process, each goal is reviewed and modified as needed. In addition, the length and frequency of peer support meetings are determined by the consumer and peer supporter. It is also understood that different consumers may prefer different methods in which to receive services. Therefore, peer support services may be provided in the following forms:

• Person to person.
• Over the phone.
• Through letter writing.

Confidentiality is strictly maintained at all times.

Why Peer Support?

Benefits of Peer Support. Since the idea of receiving peer support services may be a new experience for you, it may be useful to review some of the areas in which peer support can benefit you:

• Activities of daily living techniques
• Communication skills
• Coping with self and body image
• Dealing with feelings
• Dealing with relationships
• Intimacy and sexuality
• Time management
• Financial management
• Dealing with attitudinal barriers
• Legal rights
• Mobility training
• Education and vocational options/barriers
• Parenting
• Attendant care management
• Equipment and supply purchase, modification/repair
• Goal setting skills
• Recreation/leisure time
• Developing alternatives to sensory loss
• Learning self-advocacy