Building Better Lives Together: Peer Support that Works!

Friday, November 11, 2022

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM MT

Location: Windows, 2nd floor

Content Level: Intermediate

Lead Presenter(s)

Cynthia Burrow

Owner
Strategic Education Solutions

PowerPoint Slides

Co-Presenter(s)

Brenda Sullivan (she/her/hers)

Advocacy Coordinator
The Arc of Greater Beaumont
Katie L. Sheffield

Peer Support Specialist
The Arc of Greater Beaumont
Ashley K. Sattler

Graphic designer
Arc of greater Beaumont

Self-Advocate Presenter(s)

Lisa Simmons

Senior Peer Support Specialist
The Arc of Greater Beaumont

Session Description: The Arc of Greater Beaumont developed a comprehensive, technology-based peer support program through a grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. Documented outcomes include improved planning, critical thinking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, as well as increased self-confidence and optimism for the future. This session will describe strategies and tools used to achieve these results. Presenters will share practical lessons learned from their work and help participants envision a peer support program that works within the organization’s existing resources..

Learning Objectives:

Analyze current and needed resources to implement an effective peer support program.
Identify opportunities and challenges at each stage of peer support implementation: planning, recruitment, matching, service, and evaluation/analysis.
Amplify self-advocates’ voices and reduce administrative burden by preparing experienced peer support specialists to take on more responsibility.