Having disabled individuals involved in every aspect of creating Youth Peer Support spaces is crucial to create an inclusive, comfortable atmosphere, and is often overlooked when designing said services. 

Having a space that is accessible means not just having a ramp for wheelchair users. It’s having that ramp right near the main entrance and not secluded away to the side or back of the building, making sure that you offer closed captioning on any videos you show in meetings or feature online, having access to ASL interpreters, assuring lighting is not bright or flashy, being aware of the volume in the space, among other components. Disabled people are unfortunately very acquainted with exclusion, and it is incredibly important as peers to ensure they do not feel excluded in peer support spaces.

A main focus of peer support is “meeting folks where they are” to ensure that they are getting what they need in a self- determined manner. Including disabled individuals into every aspect of the planning and implementation of your peer support programs is essential to providing this necessary service. When in doubt, ask the disabled individuals in your community how you can better include them, listen and take action. 

As with every marginalized group, intersectionality is incredibly important. To learn more about the intersection of disability and race, follow Imani Barbarin (@crutches_and_spice on TikTok and Instagram, @Imani_Barbarin on Twitter) 

For more information on the Disability Justice Movement: https://www.sinsinvalid.org/news-1/2020/6/16/what-is-disability-justice