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www.il-wisconsin.net/peerpower
What is Peer Power?
Peer Power is a unique peer-based program designed to support high school students with all types of disabilities to plan for their lives after high school. Peer Power is unique in that the program is driven by the students. Peer power members help run and shape their group by talking about their interests and what they need to help them fulfill their goals. They plan for their future and what they want to do when they transition from high school into the adult world.
Peer Power enhances student knowledge, skills, and support in preparation for adult life, employment, post-secondary education and/or independent community living. Peer Power helps students to transition successfully through three main initiatives: Empowerment (self-determination and self-advocacy), building peer and community relationships and fostering mentoring relationships.
Self Determination and Self-Advocacy Training
Self-determination refers to one's ability to make thoughtful decisions, problem-solve and effectively set and pursue goals. Peer Power provides the support and opportunities that allow students to increase their self-awareness and take an active role in shaping their future. Using person-centered planning students learn how to participate in meetings that concern their education or career development and how to advocate for accommodations that may contribute to success in work or education.
Peer Support and Peer Group Participation
Students form relationships and learn to work as a team, gain leadership skills and develop plans for the future. Peer Groups provide opportunities for self-discovery, and allow students to make sense of new information and receive support. Together, peers face the challenges of transition and gain the confidence to pursue their goals and dreams.
One to One Mentoring
Matching a student with a mentor is a powerful way to increase independent living skills, self-esteem and optimism for the future. Mentors with similar disabilities, hobbies, and/or common career interests make an invaluable contribution by sharing their experience and support.
What makes Peer Power Possible?
Peer Power is an expansion of a pilot that began in 2004 after U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (www.kohl.senate.gov) paved the way to find funding from the Department of Education to help students with disabilities transition from high school. The pilots were so successful that Peer Power became a statewide initiative funded by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and coordinated by the Independent Living Council of Wisconsin.
Organization Information
Wisconsin
Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD)
www.wcdd.org
BPDD's mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life. BPDD promotes positive change in service systems, fosters welcoming and inclusive communities and assists people with developmental disabilities and their families to become effective advocates.
The
Independent Living Council of Wisconsin (ILCW)
www.ilcw.org
promotes self-determination and full inclusion of people with disabilities in Wisconsin. The Council supports the independent living philosophy and provides services to maximize the leadership, empowerment, and productivity of individuals with disabilities in order that each will live and participate in the community of their choice.
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