10.3.0 Peer Counseling
Louisiana Statewide Transition Project and Louisiana: Healthy and Ready to Work Fact Sheet Series
	5/26/99

I. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Many young adults with disabilities have limited opportunities to meet with other young adults with similar disabilities. Peer counseling matches individuals with like or similar disabilities to discuss issues, teach skills, and encourage independence and empowerment. Peer counseling is intended to be used as a tool to prevent or address problems before they intensify and reach crisis status. Peer counseling may also be used to build self-determination skills and behaviors among adolescents during the transition years.

II. KEY POINTS

Peer counseling usually occurs on a one-to-one basis, but can also take place in group settings. It is typically offered by centers for independent living, youth centers, and some hospitals and clinics. In one-to-one counseling, conversations may be conducted by telephone. This is commonly used for exchange of information, to explore possible resources and may even be useful as special situations arise. Group counseling is recommended to facilitate on-going social interaction and open communication. Typically, peer counselors are trained in basic communication and crisis management skills, but their most important qualifications are their experiences and characteristics they share with their matched peers.

III. ROLES/NEXT STEPS

Students/Young Adults:

Anyone with a disability may benefit from peer counseling. The only requirement that is needed on the part of individuals receiving counseling, is that they express willingness to communicate and take action to achieve goals for desired outcomes. While participating in peer counseling, if something hinders this process, the young adult is responsible for requesting a change in services. The change can be a new peer counselor if the present one is incompatible, a discontinuation of the counseling, or a change to group counseling.

Families:

Peer counseling is designed for individuals. therefore families do not actively become involved in the process. The only exception is if peer counseling begins prior to the legal age of majority, in which case permission from a parent or guardian is necessary before services can begin. However, as with any major decision in the young adult's development, support and encouragement from the family can only improve the odds for success.

Agencies:

Currently, peer counselors are certified, matched, employed, and monitored by independent living centers and sometimes by youth centers. Some centers have outreach efforts with the school systems. Peer counselors may also be assigned to specific schools. Outreach services will accomplish two important things. First, students will receive assistance before they exit school. Therefore, they will be better able to make decisions about the future. Second, peer counseling may become paid employment. Most centers pay their peer counselors a nominal fee for each person they counsel.

IV. RESOURCES/CONTACTS

Centers for Independent Living:

New Horizons, Inc.

6670 St. Vincent Avenue

Shreveport, LA 71106

318-865-1000

Resources for Independent Living, Inc.

1555 Poydras Street

New Orleans, LA 70112

504-522-1955

Southwest LA Independence Center, Inc.

3505 5^th Avenue, Suite A-2

Lake Charles, LA 70605

318-477-7194

(Each center has satellite offices in surrounding communities)

V. REFERENCES

Farley, Roy C.; Akridge, Robert L.. (1986). The feasibility of peer counseling as a rehabilitation resource. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 9(1) pp. 69-72.