(ICAN in conjunction with CPA Ontario)
Peer Support
The Peer Support program assists people with physical disabilities deal with the transition following an injury or with an issue they may be dealing with. Peer Support helps people to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community inclusion through the sharing of information, personal experience, and resources, and it creates opportunities to gain and share practical information and learn various methods of coping.
Peer Support Volunteers
A Peer Volunteer is an individual with a physical disability who has successfully adjusted to life with a physical disability, or a family member of a person with a physical disability. Each Peer Volunteer goes through a screening process that involves a criminal reference check, and an extensive training program.
Peer Volunteers assist their peer match to:
- Learn how to get around the city
- Learn new and exciting activities and join community groups
- Manage their grief
- Share experiences
Peer Support Participants
A Peer Support participant is a person with a physical disability who is adjusting to life with a disability or is experiencing a new challenge in their life.
Peer Matching
ICAN tries to create the best peer support matches possible, based on similar disability, similar experiences, and similar interests so that sharing of experiences, knowledge, and resources is made easier.
Peer Support Commitment
The Peer Support program is committed to assisting participants in gaining their independence, self-confidence and feelings of empowerment toward making their own decisions.
What makes Peer Support work?
- Assisting each other to reach our full potential
- Concern and mutual respect for each other
- Respecting the right to privacy and confidentiality
- A positive approach to life
- Accepting everyone’s differences
- Being non-judgemental