Peer Leadership Program (PL)
Program Contact:
Susan Nicastro • 617-556-4075 x13 (Springfield)
Deep Chinappa • 617-586-4075 x20 (Boston)
Ages Served: 16-24 • Program Founded: 1998
Peer Leaders participate in training sessions that feature team building activities, skill development and panel discussions on topics such as leadership, conflict resolution, effective communication, advocacy, disability awareness and independent living. All Peer Leaders learn the value of community service and contribute a significant amount of time to PYD programs and outside projects that will have a meaningful impact on the community. As inspirational youth leaders, Peer Leaders emulate the role modeling mission pioneered by PYD’s adult mentors.
In 2006-2008, PYD collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create and implement the MA Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) which was comprised of 24 young adults, ages 18 to 28, with special health care needs and/or disabilities. YAAC members worked together to create an original film, We Are Able: Perspectives of Transitioning Young Adults with Disabilities. To view the film, click on the links below.