Peer mentoring is at the heart of the Independent Living movement. Peer mentors work with anyone who is adapting to a disability or seeking to increase their independence. Peer mentors utilize their own personal experiences living with a disability to empower others to achieve their goals.

Become a Peer Mentor

The purpose of peer support is to match individuals with similar disabilities to empower each other through encouragement and support. This service assists individuals adapting to life with a disability or transitioning through different life stages. Ability Montana also encourages individuals to seek out new opportunities.

Attributes of a well-rounded advocate include the following:

• Embracing a personal identity
• Molding consistent self-esteem
• Exhibiting effective communication skills
• Maintaining healthy boundaries
• Being self-motivated
• Being goal-oriented
• Remembering to nurture personal wellness
• Having the capacity for empathy for others
• Maintaining an open mind to new ideas

Get Involved with Peer Groups or Individual Support

Support and advocacy can take many forms. There are many pathways to getting involved at the peer-to-peer level as a peer mentor. Mentoring is at the heart of the Independent Living movement. Mentors work with anyone who is adapting to a disability or seeking to increase their independence. Peer mentors utilize their own personal experience with living with a disability to empower others in reaching their independent living goals. Mutuality in the peer mentoring relationship is key. “Advice giving” is avoided. Peer mentors make a commitment to another person in their journey for independence.