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The Peer Approach to IL Technical Assistance

by Linda Gonzales, Executive Director
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living

One of the key foundations upon which independent living was established and continues to thrive, is the concept of learning from one's peers.

People with disabilities know best what works and does not work for them. The value of having gone through the process -- whether it is working through bureaucratic systems, coming to terms with new limitations, adjusting to family and community, there is intrinsic value in having "been there."

We believe that 'experience is the best teacher" when it comes to operating a CIL as well While peer support has long been a cornerstone of the core services of centers for independent living (CILs), it is only recently being developed as an approach to providing training and technical assistance to CIL staff and boards.

The Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program is a win-win situation for all concerned:

Onsite peer mentoring, along with support and assistance by phone and e-mail offer the CIL being mentored the opportunity to build constructive, yet personal relationships with their Peer Mentor.
The CIL being mentored (hopefully) will have a referral of up to three potential Rural Peer Mentors to choose from.
Rural Peer Mentors will have travel expenses covered for at least one site visit.
Rural Peer Mentors receive a payment of $800.
Rural Peer Mentors will provide basic follow-up contact and reports to the Project for evaluation and quality assurance purposes.
CILs receiving the technical assistance will be asked to complete a brief evaluation of the services they received.
The Pool of Rural Peer Mentors will include a variety of expertise, skills, ethnicity, and geographic disbursement.

Could Your CIL Use the Services of a Peer Mentor?

Our intention is to work with small CILs, or satellites in remote communities that do not typically have access to, or resources for training in more urban areas. To qualify for this competition, a CIL, or satellite must be located in a small community, but if the need is there, please don't hesitate to apply. Applications will be mailed out and sent out on list serves in late August. Your center doesn't have to be on the skids, or on the verge of shutting its doors. Yours might be a new CIL struggling to get started or an established CIL experiencing growth pains. It might be experiencing difficulties in areas such as Outreach, Fund Development, Board Recruitment, Core Services Development or Community Development. Other areas that might need the help of a Peer Mentor might be in Board Training, Diversity Issues, Program Expansion, Legal Issues, Staff Management Issues, Underserved Populations, Transportation, Fee for Services, Accessibility, Internet Services, For Profit Services, Board/Staff Issues, Financial Management, Policies & Procedures.

We're developing a pool of peer mentors that we believe have the experience, skills, expertise and peer perspective to help you address your concerns. For more information about the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program, call the Kathy Hatch at (800) 290-0834 or send an e-mail to khatch@columbus.rr.com.