a non-disabled man wearing a baseball cap, a non-disabled woman in a red shirt, and a man in a blue wheelchair hanging out in the community

Peer Support

OSCIL offers opportunities for persons with disabilities to share similar interests and concerns and gain greater awareness of opportunities for independence. People are encouraged to call OSCIL at any time for this connection.

Peer support is one of the fundamentals of a CIL. Peer “mentors” provide role modeling and share experiences, feelings, and awareness of disability issues.

Through peer support there is a full exchange of brainstorming, problem solving, and sharing of concerns, successes and ways to address issues. The peer support relationship allows for the more experienced person to provide information and support and serve as a positive role model to the person whose disability might be new or more recent.

Many of OSCIL staff members provide peer support in a number of areas, including but not limited to: visual and hearing impairments, arthritis, orthopedic issues, diabetes, and more. Please call the OSCIL office at 401-738-1013 for more information.

Peer Support Groups

OSCIL holds several monthly peer support groups, the purpose of which is to provide individuals with similar issues a chance to talk about their own conditions, experiences and concerns. By talking with people who truly understand what they are going through, individuals can gain practical insights to maximize the potential for successful independent living.

Monthly Peer Support groups include:

Diverse Disability Group

Spinal Cord Injury Group

Traumatic Brain Injury Group

Women with Disabilities Group

Youth Transition Group

For more information or to register for one of these support groups, contact Beth Pinkham at [email protected] or call our office at 401-738-1013.