THE PEER TO PEER
PROJECT (P2P)
P2P is a new initiative through the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University. P2P will match up a diverse group of SU students to learn from and support each other in order to make the most of their experience at SU.
Three big ideas
Disability is not a dirty word
Everyone needs and uses natural supports
Culture changes through relationships
What is an intellectual/ developmental disability?
A disability that occurs before the age of 21
Impacts the ability of a person’s brain to learn, think, solve problems, and make sense of the world (called IQ or intellectual functioning); and
Impacts the skills a person needs to manage day to day life (called adaptive behavior, or adaptive functioning).
Can include Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, etc.
Natural supports
We all need them; we all use them!
So, who are all these people?
The OnCampus and Access partners have staff people (T.A.s or mentors) who come with them to class, help with notes and studying, transportation, etc.
partners? So, why do we need peer partners? * Peers are cool!
* Peers are at the same developmental
level (learning to be adults)
* Peers are flexible – can get together
in the evenings, on weekends, etc.
* Peers know best how to be a college
students.
* Peers are great at providing naturasupports. natural supports!
Ideas for activities
Meet for coffee or lunch
Meet at the library to study
Meet at Schine Student Center
Become Facebook “friends”
Go to the gym
Attend social events with other partners (P2P listserv)
Take a walk around campus and find a new building
Find on campus events to attend (art shows, concerts, movies)
Shopping!
Communication
Make sure you and your partner have a plan to communicate (text, email, phone calls) about when and where you will meet. Include staff information contact information, if necessary.
Discuss common interests!
If you partner does not speak easily…use “yes” and “no” questions, multiple choice, use typing or writing.
Don’t worry if there is some silence- some partners are more comfortable with that!
Agghh! What do I do?
Disability conversation – to have or not to have!
SPE 311 log sheets – have your partner sign off!
Be honest about discomforts – how much communication, how much contact, etc.
Problem solving- Is it safety, needing creativity, or N.M.B.?
Please contact us!
Cultures in need of change include:
Colleges and universities
Businesses
Government
Communities
(Most cultural change occurs when people have a personal connection to an excluded group)
Listen to the voice of experience and pride
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wunHDfZFxXw
Are YOU the one we’ve been looking for?
Dee Katovitch ([email protected])
or text 315-406-6945
Micah Fialka-Feldman ([email protected]) or text 248-376-6556
Taylor Janney ([email protected]) or text 240-401-6415
Angel Winston ([email protected]) or text 857-928-1351
Or stop by Room 111 in the Hoople Building.