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Independent Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Peer Support Training Program
Sytsma, Skye
Sytsma, Skye
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Thesis/Dissertation
Date
2025
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Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
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https://doi.org/10.34944/wvg2-he04
Abstract
Lack of social connectedness and belonging are identified as barriers to social participation within the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community. Peer support leverages shared lived experiences in the delivery of services including skill building, connection to resources, and goal setting. Peer support is recognized in mental health and substance-use communities, but remains a novel practice within the IDD community. This capstone project aimed to design and implement a peer support training program within the IDD community using the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Content included evidence-based skills required for rapport building and effective peer support to increase social participation. The program was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention surveys analyzing participation and self-perception of skill development. Results demonstrated increased confidence and engagement among participants following the training program, suggesting peer support within the IDD community may be a feasible way to increase social participation and connectedness.
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