Parenting Peer Support

Peer support promotes consumer participation and allows people to obtain from, and provide, direct support to others.

In the Parenting with a Disability Network (PDN), a peer is someone who has had direct or similar experiences as those shared by parents with disabilities. A peer understands and can relate to the feelings and barriers faced by people with disabilities raising families, and can share his or her personal experiences, stories, joys and frustrations.

The Peer Support and Networking Group is the latest PDN peer initiative. In partnership with the Anne Johnston Health Station (AJHS), this group aims to bring members together in an informal, safe and inclusive setting. With a focus on empowerment, emotional support and information exchange, it allows participants to discuss and explore issues unique to parenting with a disability and planning for parenthood, share ideas and develop solutions to challenges.

Based on a self-help model, group meetings are facilitated by the PDN Coordinator and the AJHS Peer Support Worker. Participants must be either a member of the PDN or the AJHS and are required to register for each meeting.

New participants welcome! This year the group has decided to remain open and invities moms, dads and prospective parents with a disability to join at any time. Meetings are held approximately every 6-8 weeks. To register for the next meeting or for more details about this interactive group contact the PDN Coordinator at pdn@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458 ext. 227.