Peer Support
“Words cannot accurately capture the deep level of understanding and support one feels when you find people who ‘get’ you. When you share stories about overcoming misunderstandings of who you are based on your race, gender, and disability with people who have had identical situations in their own lives, it validates your experiences and existence.”
– Vilissa Thompson, Disability Advocate
Introduction
What is a Peer?
- A peer is a person with whom you share something in common
- A peer might be a person already in your life
- A peer may be someone you seek practical advice, feedback, or emotional support from
- Peers may encourage you through new goals and life experiences
- Everyone has peers
Peers can:
- Listen to you
- Help you feel like you are not alone in your experiences
- Help you problem solve
- Help you explore new options and see new possibilities
- Provide a different perspective about disability
- Become friends
Benefits of Peer Support
Peer support may help you feel:
- Heard or listened to
- Less alone
- More hopeful
- Happier
- Accepted
Finding Support
- Peer support varies from person to person and from peer to peer
- There are several types of peer support:
- Formal: meeting someone with a similar experience through a program, like a support group
- Informal: sharing with people already in your life, like with friends on a camping trip or getting to know a classmate better
- Online: Meeting others and sharing with them online
Resources
Peer Support
Social Support and Networking Fact Sheet
Video: Peer Support – A Shared Journey
Video: Bring Right Footed to Your Community
Video: How Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support Groups Make a Difference
Video: Amputee Coalition – A Community of Peers