How Helpful Is Peer Support Training For Individuals With Disabilities?

 Peer support is not a new concept, especially in the behavioural health field. It has been a part of the service delivery model for many years, particularly for those with mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders.  However, its use for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a more recent development. The peer support training is meticulously designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as peer educators in the community. This training is a valuable resource that ensures you are well-prepared for the role of a peer educator.

peer support training

Why is peer support so important?

Peer support is the foundation of the independent living movement.  It matters because it works.  Very few things have as great an impact on someone with a disability as hearing from someone like themselves that they can reach their goals.  People with disabilities share common experiences and build each other up.  The positive impact that a peer supporter can have on another person with a disability should not be underestimated. If you’re a parent and you’ve sought the advice and support of other parents, you know the value of peer support.

Understanding invisible disabilities

Invisible disabilities, often referred to as hidden disabilities, are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. Unlike visible disabilities, which may be physically evident, invisible disabilities are the conditions that impact an individual’s functioning in ways that are not only external observable. These conditions can impact individuals’ daily lives, relationships, and career prospects.

Peer-to-peer support is a game-changer

The peer-to-peer approach has the potential to break the disability inclusion barriers by inspiring the mutual understanding, empathy, and support amongst individuals with and even without disabilities. This approach permits individuals to learn from each other’s experiences, share their knowledge and skills, and collaborate to address the most common challenges. Peer support networks can offer practical assistance, emotional support, and encouragement, empowering individuals with disabilities to participate more in the society. By promoting complete inclusivity and equality, the peer-to-peer approach contributes to creating a very accessible and accommodating the environment for individuals with disabilities to thrive. For instance, many organizations would love to employ people with disabilities; however, their fear is the extra cost of hiring sign language interpreters, caretakers, and guides. It’s like one person will be taking the salary of two people. That’s why the peer-to-peer approach can be a game-changer.

Why become a peer support specialist?

As the world becomes more complex, so does our need for support. People of all ages and walks of life can benefit from the wisdom and experience of others. Suppose you are in recovery from mental illness or substance use and/or mental health issues. In that case, you may find that working as a Peer Specialist is a rewarding career path. In online peer specialist training classes, you will learn about the responsibilities of Peer Specialists and Peer Supporters in the areas of advocacy, reducing stigma and discrimination, interpersonal communication, providing an overview of mental health and substance use disorders, demonstrating cultural competence, and adhering to ethical standards and the law.

Through the use of videos of peers in recovery from mental illness and the addiction, you will learn to inspire and aid others, become a role model, and demonstrate that recovery from mental illness and/or addiction is achievable.

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