Peer Empowerment Network 

Project Description

The Peer Empowerment Network (PEN) builds mentorships between job-seeking and employed adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), supporting young adults ages 18–26. The project’s goal is to pilot one-to-one peer mentorships between employed and unemployed young adults with IDD across the United States. Employed individuals with IDD will serve as mentors to unemployed mentees, providing guidance and encouragement through their own lived experiences and success stories, to help their mentees connect with paid employment opportunities in their communities.

Program Elements 

Program Development

Focus groups were conducted with 40 young adults with IDD to gather input on the development of the Peer Empowerment Network. A community advisory team of 10 young adults with IDD was created as well to provide ongoing guidance on all project aspects.

Mentor Training and Mentee Recruitment

Advertising materials were created and distributed to recruit job seekers who are at least 18 years old, have IDD, and are currently unemployed. A total of 35 mentors and 35 job seekers will be recruited. Mentors will attend training classes over Zoom, while job seekers attend virtual job preparation classes that are led by the CHLA team.

Program Launch

Initiate PEN across the United States with pairings of unemployed (mentees) and employed young (mentors) adults with IDD that were matched based on disability type, location, work interests, and demographic factors. Mentees will meet with their mentors once per month for six months, either by phone or on Zoom. Research staff will be present at these meetings to provide ongoing support to all participants to guide mentorships.

Program Evaluation and Dissemination

Mentors and mentees will complete surveys and interviews at the beginning and after they complete the six-month mentorship that covers a variety of topics, including: previous/current work experience, interests, strengths, support needs, self-esteem, work skills, and access to disability support services. Additionally, participants will be asked to share their experiences participating in the mentorship.

Success will be measured by tracking the number of mentees who attain paid employment during and/or after their participation in the program. Information about the job, their satisfaction with the job, and what supports they need on-the-job will be asked and compiled to share their success stories with others across the country.

Additional Information 

• Funding Source: Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation
• Project Duration: 24 months
• Interested in participating? Contact Dr. Schwartzman at bschwartzman@chla.usc.edu

Collaborators: Vanderbilt University