Peer Support

spina bifida peer support group photo 2002

Peer support is one of the four "core" services offered by all independent living centers and is a key concept in the philosophy of the independent living movement. It is the principle that people with disabilities should be in charge of their lives and that they are best helped by other persons with disabilities who have "been there, done that." Peer support services offered by IndependenceFirst include one-on-one matches and peer support groups.

The purpose of peer support is for people with disabilities to help one another to cope, to learn, to grow and thrive in healthy and empowering ways.

Goals

  • To provide a resource to persons with disabilities who are seeking peer support and mentoring.
  • To provide training to persons with disabilities who would like to be a peer support person.
  • To facilitate peer support groups for persons with disabilities.
Contact Information

For Milwaukee County
Staff Name: Leah Simmons
Title: Lead ILS Coordinator
Phone: 1-414-226-8374 (TTY) 414-937-5913 (VP) or 866-666-2151 (VRS)
Email: Leah Simmons

For Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties
Staff Name: Vicky Vierig
Title: ILS Coordinator
Phone: 414-226-8396 (V/Relay), 414-291-7520 (V/TTY)
E-mail: Vickie Vierig

Program Availability
Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties

Q&A

Who is this program for?
This program is for persons with a disability.

Type of Assistance/Information
Peer Support:  How to request peer support and how to become a peer support mentor. 

Eligibility Requirements
Must be a person with a disability.

Types of classes Offered (Individual or Group)
Peer Training Classes
Contact: Leah Simmons at 414-226-8374 (TTY) 414-937-5913 (VP) or 866-666-2151 (VRS).

Consumer Responsibilities/Expectations
Regular attendance at the support group meetings. Regular contact with peer support matches.

Cost
There is no cost for this service