Texas Advocates — Peer Support for People in Institutions

Project Summary
Texas Advocates developed a peer-support training program for people with developmental disabilities (DD) living in state-supported living centers, nursing homes, and intermediate care facilities in the Austin and San Antonio areas. Through the project, participants were able to better understand their rights, learn about opportunities available in their communities, and lead or actively participate in their own person-centered planning processes.  

In addition to developing educational resources, Texas Advocates provided training to 24 people with DD to become peer mentors. These mentors engaged with more than 150 of their peers. The project’s accomplishments led to interest from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to incorporate similar peer-support programs in facilities across the state.

TCDD funding supported this project to increase access to information and training for people with DD, families, and caregivers to advocate for themselves and collaborate with allies to impact public policy, service systems, and community supports.