Explore community resources
With a Trained Peer Navigator by Your Side!
Are you a young person who has a disability and is looking to explore community resources and support? Our Peer Navigation Services are here to assist you!
We understand that finding the right support can feel overwhelming, but with the help of a trained Peer Navigator who has had similar life experiences, you can find valuable resources and connect with programs that match your needs.
Thanks to our diverse funding and collaborative partnerships, including with Raising Special Kids, we can provide Peer Navigation Services at no cost to most young people. However, we look at each request individually. Feel free to connect with us if you have any questions about this opportunity.
How Do Peer Navigators Help?
Our Peer Navigators are trained Arizona Young Adult Leaders who excel at connecting you with local programs and support services. They are knowledgeable and bring personal insights that make the navigation process more relatable.
In addition to helping you access important resources, our Peer Navigators can also connect you to exciting opportunities provided by Diverse Ability Incorporated, like Arizona Youth Leadership Forum and Peer-Based, Person-Centered Planning. These programs are designed to empower you as you transition into adulthood, helping you build the skills and confidence you need for the journey ahead.
Our Peer Navigation Services are different from long-term case management, mentoring, or buddy-matching programs. We provide peer-led resource navigation services from the perspective of a young adult who has experienced a similar journey. The support you get will be tailored to your specific needs and the expertise of your Navigator.
Peer Navigation Service Examples
Each peer navigation request reflects the unique journey of the person making it. We’ve included some examples of the requests we’ve received, but don’t let these limit you. We want to hear your specific needs. Please use our request form to share how we can help you.
- 1-on-1 practice with a Peer Navigator to prepare you for your unique situation, such as speaking up at your IEP meetings
- Practicing general communication skills
- Finding work readiness skills resources
- Researching post-secondary education and training resources
- Learning about disability resources for college/university life
- Connecting to employment assistance resources, such as Arizona@Work or Vocational Rehabilitation
- Developing and practicing interview skills
- Gathering the information needed for resumes and job applications
- Preparing a resume
- Finding independent living skills resources and programs
- Money management and budgeting resources or classes
- Time management skills resources or classes
- Resources to learn about healthy relationships
- Learning how to obtain a driver’s permit/license
- How-to resources and study materials
- Resources for adaptive driving instruction
- Possible 1-1 study sessions with a Peer Navigator
- Practicing Independent Living Skills with a Peer Navigator
- Referral to a Center for Independent Living (CIL) in your area
Having someone to talk with about first-time experiences can make them more manageable. Our Peer Navigators are ready to listen and share their personal experiences and insights to help guide you. Here are just a few examples of “firsts” we’ve helped with:
- Starting a job
- Experiencing a college campus
- Living on your own
- Preparing for professional meetings
