Peer Support By Douglas B. Carmon National AgrAbility Project Manager National Training Workshop Burlington, VT

Definition

PEER (pir) n. –1. A person who has equal standing with another, such as in age, gender, disability and life experiences –2. Archaic. A companion; fellow

Definition A peer is someone who may or may not be like us in obvious ways, but is someone with whom we share a basic humanity, uniqueness, or experience

Definition All people share universal human experiences By virtue of this shared humanity, we are all peers

Definition System of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement of what is considered to be helpful

Characteristics Mutual respect Positive regard Empowerment of the client –the assumption that the client has the solutions to his/her own problems and does not need your advice of direction Genuineness –being oneself –authenticity

Characteristics Acceptance of differences –does not mean agreement, but acceptance based on respect Empathy –allowing oneself to feel with another person Intention to be of service to another

Skills Listening from the heart –listening with an open heart –willing to be touched by another –willing to engage with another person's emotions

Skills Speaking from the heart –speaking authentically –honest self-expression

Skills Acting from the heart in service to another person –acting based on compassion, caring, and an intention to be of service to another

Peer Program Designed to bring answers and support to people with newly acquired disabilities, as well as people who have been disabled for some time

Peer Volunteer An individual who has adjusted well to being disabled and is living independently

Peer Volunteer Meet with participants with similar disabilities and share information about adaptive equipment, family and marital issues, transportation, employment and education Sharing experiences & information –Emotionally –Physically –Psychologically

Peer Volunteer Benefits Increases feeling of self-worth and accomplishment— contributing to help another & the community “Inspiring” others often inspires the Peer Volunteer Improves interpersonal and communication skills

Peer Recipient Benefits Provides opportunity to achieve a greater level of independence and self-sufficiency through role modeling and encouragement Participant is often encouraged to take sensible risks –Peer Volunteers can often accomplish this better than professionals

Peer Recipient Benefits Peers can often motivate people to do things previously thought as impossible Development of better coping skills –Community –Red tape –Attitudes –Modifications –Adaptations

Peer Recipient Benefits Often receive emotional support and new techniques for managing problems Learn self-advocacy skills Have a role model to follow to enhance self-worth, a sense of identification by reduction of isolation and separation

Bottom line… Help where help will be accepted Enable self directed solutions Referrals Do no harm –Be safe to self and others