Several school districts throughout Michigan offer a great program called Peer to Peer that allows students with disabilities and those without disabilities to flourish within their schools.
Peer to Peer promotes inclusion and improves the educational experience of K-12 students with and without disabilities. It pairs students with disabilities with peer partners (general education students) during class time, lunch groups, extracurricular activities, and beyond the structured school day.
Peer to Peer is a win-win for all students. Through Peer to Peer, students with disabilities improve their social participation, communication, social networks, and confidence.
Peer partners gain leadership skills and confidence and increase classroom engagement while making new friendships. When students participate alongside each other, their high school experiences become more meaningful when they know they make an impact.
Ultimately, all students experience growth in emotional intelligence, compassion, and social bonds, all of which contribute to a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Peer to Peer is an excellent, life-changing program that promotes lasting friendships and enables every student to flourish.
Benefits for Students with Disabilities:
- Increase Inclusion in social activities and daily school life, reducing isolation and loneliness.
- Become More Social with increased communication opportunities and connections to more students to practice social skills with trusted peers and develop friendships.
- Greater Confidence and Self-Esteem and feeling more welcomed, valued, heard, and understood within the school community.
- More Participation in school activities, including improved attendance and enthusiasm for learning.
Benefits for General Education Students:
- Increased Compassion and Understanding by having a greater understanding of students with disabilities.
- Increased Leadership and Responsibility as they work alongside students with disabilities and become role models, with a focus on developing friendships first.
- Gain Personal Growth by becoming more mature as they experience and learn to navigate social and emotional situations.
- Greater Social Awareness about students with disabilities that helps reduce stereotypes and encourage acceptance at school.
- Develop Life Skills in communication, problem-solving, and collaboration that are beneficial in future social and professional environments.
Peer to Peer is an excellent experience for everyone, from individual students to the entire school district.
About OPTIMISE
OPTIMISE attracts, prepares, and retains diverse and qualified personnel to help advance individuals with disabilities (Birth to 26 years).Â
The OPTIMISE Task Force, Core Team, and Action Teams work with many partners, including Michigan’s leading education organizations and legislature, to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work also includes working with all levels of education to accomplish this goal.
OPTIMISE promotes ten professions within Michigan’s special education field, their funding options, and steps to jumpstart a career in special education.Â
Join a great group of dedicated people who help individuals with disabilities excel.
Go to: OPTIMISE.education
