What is a Peer Visitor at CILNM
Peer support is a program through which individuals with disabilities
who have
undergone a Peer Visitor training program are matched up with
consumers who are dealing with the same or similar disabilities. The
Peer Visitor functions in some ways as an Independent Living
Specialist (see Independent Living Skills) by assisting the consumer
to set and attain goals. Aside from goal-setting, the Peer Visitor
provides a supportive relationship in which to discuss and deal with
the challenges posed by a disability. Peer visiting is available at
no cost to qualified consumers.
Peer Visitors serve as:
- Role Models
- Problem Solvers
- Goal Setters
- Being Independent
- Effective Coping skills
Characteristics and Qualifications:
- Commitment to IL Philosophy
- Healthy and independent attitude towards life.
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Well adjusted to their own disability.
- Willing to accept and help others.
- Ability to deal with another's emotions
Peer Visitors Assist Others With:
- Accomplishing tasks in daily living.
- Coping skills.
- Assessing home modification.
- Managing PCA’s
- Ideas for adaptive aides.
- Dealing with anger and depression.
- Dealing with negative attitude of others.
- Exploring educational, vocational and community activities.
- Dealing with relationship issues.
- Assistance in problem solving and goal setting.
- Learning how to be assertive.
- Dealing with sexuality issues.
Recruitment and Selection of Peer Visitors at CILNM.
- Current or past consumers.
- Referrals from other agencies.
- Person who demonstrates effective coping skills.
- Level of commitment to learn new skills.
- Comfortable with helping people.
Support Base for Peer Visitors at CILNM
- CILNM Staff
- External supports- such as family, other professionals, friends and the community.
Training and Matching
- 8 hours of training.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Policies and responsibilities of Peers.
- Factors influencing matching: Disability, age, sex and background experiences.
Coordination and Compensation
- Minimum Wage
- Expenses related to position.
- Coordination involves all discussed with main focus on supporting the
Peer Visitor in all aspects of employment.
Peer Support Definition
- A Peer Visitor offers support in the atmosphere of TRUST and GENUINE RESPECT.
The most effective skill that must be developed is listening with the ability to offer full attention.
Peer Visitors Program Benefits:
- CILNM in providing effective services
- Consumers in learning effective coping skills
- Peers in their ability to assist others in similar situation
Three Models
- Conventional Approach is the most common approach in which
Peer Visiting is done at the CIL office under the direct supervision of
professionals. The Peers may or may not have a college degree but
have the interpersonal skills coupled with their own experiences with disabilities.
- Field Approach is when Peers conduct visiting in the homes of consumers
and supervision is limited to weekly reports. This approach works well in rural areas.
- Rehabilitation Approach is when rehabilitation agencies set up contracts
with Peer Visitors from CIL's to provide vocational counseling.
- CILNM uses each approach to varying degrees. CILNM Peer Visitors assist
people either in their homes or at the CIL office. The Peer Visitors have
disability related experience and interpersonal skills that allow them to act as
peers. CILNM also utilizes the Peer Visitor Program to assist Rehabilitation
Agencies through a contract to provide service.
Group Support
CILNM sponsors several support groups. While each group is unique
and has its own focus, they all serve to provide an atmosphere of
acceptance and understanding. The Center and group members seek to
provide members with new information on medical or emotional aspects
of disability. The Center is also willing to assist individuals in
setting up a new support group. Interested persons should stop by or
call CILNM.
CILNM Support Groups
Range Area Groups
Hibbing Brain Injury Support Group
Virginia Brain Injury Support Group
Brain Injury Family Support Group
Epilepsy Educational / Support Group
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Support Group
Support for Families of Individuals with Chronic Health Issues
Duluth
Area Support Groups
Brain Injury Survivors Group
Women with Disabilities Group
Chronic Fatigue - Fibromyalgia Support Group
Vision Loss Support Group
People with Disabilities for Change