How can you make sure your peer support is inclusive of all abilities?

1 Understand accessibility

Accessibility is the degree to which a service, product, or environment is usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Accessibility can include physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional aspects, as well as cultural and linguistic factors. To make your peer support accessible, you need to consider how you can remove or reduce barriers that might prevent people from participating or benefiting from your peer support. For example, you can provide different formats of information, such as audio, visual, or written; use plain and clear language; offer flexible and varied ways of communication, such as phone, email, or online platforms; and ensure that your peer support venues are safe, comfortable, and easy to access by public transport or other means.

2 Ask and listen

One of the best ways to make your peer support inclusive of all abilities is to ask and listen to the people you are supporting. Everyone has their own unique experiences, perspectives, and preferences, and you cannot assume what they need or want from peer support. By asking and listening, you can learn more about their goals, challenges, strengths, and interests, and tailor your peer support accordingly. You can also invite feedback and suggestions on how to improve your peer support and make it more responsive and relevant to their needs. Asking and listening also shows respect and appreciation for the people you are supporting, and builds trust and rapport.

3 Respect diversity

Diversity is the recognition and appreciation of the differences and similarities among people, such as their abilities, disabilities, cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, religions, and backgrounds. Diversity can enrich peer support by bringing different perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table. However, diversity can also pose challenges, such as misunderstandings, stereotypes, or discrimination. To make your peer support inclusive of all abilities, you need to respect diversity and foster a culture of inclusion. This means that you value and celebrate the diversity of the people you are supporting, and treat them with dignity and equality. You also avoid making judgments, assumptions, or generalizations based on their abilities or disabilities, or other aspects of their identity. You also acknowledge and address any biases or prejudices that you or others might have, and challenge any behaviors or attitudes that are disrespectful or harmful.

4 Empower and collaborate

Peer support is not about telling people what to do or how to live their lives. It is about empowering and collaborating with them to find their own solutions, strengths, and resources. To make your peer support inclusive of all abilities, you need to adopt an empowering and collaborative approach. This means that you respect the autonomy and choices of the people you are supporting, and encourage them to take an active role in their own recovery and well-being. You also recognize and value their expertise and knowledge, and share your own experiences and insights in a way that is supportive and helpful, not prescriptive or imposing. You also work with them as partners, not as clients or patients, and seek their input and consent on any decisions or actions that affect them.

5 Learn and grow

Peer support is a dynamic and evolving process, not a fixed or static one. To make your peer support inclusive of all abilities, you need to be open to learning and growing as a peer supporter. This means that you keep yourself informed and updated on the latest research, best practices, and resources on peer support and disability issues. You also seek opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge, such as through training, mentoring, or supervision. You also reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement or development. You also monitor and evaluate your peer support activities and outcomes, and use the results to inform and improve your practice.

6 Take care of yourself

Peer support can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also be challenging and stressful. To make your peer support inclusive of all abilities, you need to take care of yourself as a peer supporter. This means that you set and maintain healthy boundaries, and respect your own limits and needs. You also practice self-care and coping strategies, such as relaxation, exercise, hobbies, or social support. You also seek help and support when you need it, such as from your peers, colleagues, or professionals. By taking care of yourself, you can prevent or reduce burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma, and enhance your well-being and effectiveness as a peer supporter.