IDD Peer Mentoring

Peer Mentoring/Support for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilties (I/DD)

At Community Bridges, we believe in the potential of the transformative power of peer support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). I/DD Peer Mentors can help empower, support, and inspire individuals with IDD to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives within their communities.

By sharing their own lived experiences, I/DD Peer Mentors can offer practical guidance to help others develop their personal goals, strategies for self-determination, and take tangible steps towards a more fulfilling life. You can find out more about I/DD Peer Mentoring & Support by clicking here.

While peer support services are widely recognized and reimbursed within the mental health and substance use spaces, individuals with IDD have not had the opportunity to access these transformative services. Community Bridges is at the forefront of changing this, advocating for the expansion of Peer Support Services to include the IDD community, thereby enriching lives and enhancing community engagement.
Community Bridges has been working since 2017 to promote the development and deployment of Peer Support Programs to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the United States and North Carolina.

We’ve done this through:

  • Researching, Developing, & Revising the Peer Mentor Training Curriculum
    In collaboration with the National Association of Council on Developmental Disabilities and Optum, Community Bridges has developed a specialized Peer Mentor Training Curriculum to empower individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). This 16-lesson program supports dynamic group engagements and learning on crucial subjects such as ethics, self-determination, and mental health, offering both in-person and virtual participation versatility.
  • Piloting the I/DD Peer Mentor Training Curriculum
    Community Bridges is pleased to announce the successful launch of a pilot Peer Mentor Training Curriculum in North Carolina, backed by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, which garnered significant interest with over 150 applicants in just two weeks. This initiative shows the community’s dedication to professional growth in the disability sector, providing vital self-advocacy and mentoring skills to a diverse group of individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) while highlighting the importance of peer support and the inherent potential for personal and professional development.
  • Care Extender Policy Paper
    Community Bridges, in partnership with the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, developed a comprehensive Care Extender Policy Paper. This pivotal document examines the potential for integrating individuals with lived experience and their families into compensated service positions to improve family navigation and Peer Support Services. It aims to ensure scalability, sustainability, and wider adoption in alignment with the principles of value-based care.
  • The Bridging Pathways Initiative
    The Bridging Pathways Initiative, spearheaded by Community Bridges in collaboration with the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, represents a pioneering holistic strategy designed to empower individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). By emphasizing comprehensive training, practical internships, and strategic partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance both inclusion and professional growth within the I/DD community.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Community Bridges is committed to advancing the concept of I/DD Peer Mentoring and Support. We invite you to learn more about our initiatives and join us in advocating for a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with IDD. We are on a mission to develop and advance the adoption of sustainable and successful peer mentor programs for individuals with IDD.

For more information about our peer support services and how you can get involved, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with IDD.