What are some effective peer support models for people with disabilities?

1 Mutual support groups

Mutual support groups are voluntary, self-organized, and democratic groups of people with disabilities who meet regularly to provide emotional, social, and practical support to each other. Mutual support groups can be based on a common disability, issue, or interest, such as physical impairments, mental health, advocacy, or hobbies. Mutual support groups can offer a safe and supportive space for people to share their stories, feelings, challenges, and successes, as well as to exchange information, resources, and advice. Mutual support groups can also help people to develop a sense of belonging, identity, and empowerment.

2 Peer mentoring

Peer mentoring is a one-to-one relationship between a person with a disability who has more experience or knowledge and a person who is seeking guidance or support. Peer mentoring can be formal or informal, depending on the level of structure, frequency, and duration of the interactions. Peer mentoring can help people with disabilities to achieve personal, educational, or professional goals, as well as to cope with transitions, challenges, or opportunities. Peer mentoring can also help people to build confidence, skills, and networks.

3 Peer education

Peer education is a process of sharing information, skills, and experiences among people with disabilities who have similar backgrounds, needs, or interests. Peer education can be delivered through workshops, presentations, materials, or online platforms, by people who have been trained or have expertise in a specific topic. Peer education can help people with disabilities to increase their awareness, knowledge, and understanding of various issues, such as health, rights, services, or opportunities. Peer education can also help people to change their attitudes, behaviors, or practices.

4 Peer advocacy

Peer advocacy is a form of supporting people with disabilities to express their views, needs, and wishes, and to access their rights and entitlements. Peer advocacy can be individual or collective, depending on whether the support is provided to a single person or a group of people. Peer advocacy can be done by people who have similar experiences or situations as the people they are supporting, or by people who have been trained or have skills in advocacy. Peer advocacy can help people with disabilities to have more choice, control, and voice in their lives.

5 Peer recovery

Peer recovery is a concept that applies to people with disabilities who have experienced mental health or substance use issues and who are on a journey of healing and growth. Peer recovery can involve various forms of peer support, such as mutual support groups, peer mentoring, peer education, or peer advocacy, that are based on the principles of hope, empowerment, self-determination, and recovery. Peer recovery can help people with disabilities to overcome stigma, isolation, and discrimination, as well as to enhance their well-being, resilience, and potential.