QCIE runs Coffee Mornings, Dinners and Online events for families in several locations across Queensland.
If you have a Facebook account you can also join our closed Peer Support Network Facebook group. This is a peer support group for Parents and Carers seeking an Inclusive education for their children. It is not a space for debating the merits of Inclusion. It is a place of encouragement, connection and support for families who are pursing, or are interested in pursing, an Inclusive education for their child.
what is peer support?
It is a term used to describe people coming together to help each other, based on their common experience. It can be two people having a conversation, or networks and groups with regular or more official meetings.
It is mutual support: the sharing of ideas, learning from other people’s experiences and passing on what we’ve learned through our own.
In the context of QCIE Peer Support, ‘peers’ are parents and family members who have personal experience in advocating for an Inclusive Education for the children in their care, and those who are considering doing so.
It is mutual support: the sharing of ideas, learning from other people’s experiences and passing on what we’ve learned through our own.
In the context of QCIE Peer Support, ‘peers’ are parents and family members who have personal experience in advocating for an Inclusive Education for the children in their care, and those who are considering doing so.
WHY DOES QCIE FACILITATE PEER SUPPORT?
QCIE believes when parents and family members of children with disabilities are connected and supporting each other as peers, we are more likely to be successful in our efforts to advocate for a positive inclusive education experience for our children. QCIE also believes that when parents and families are resourced with evidence-based, accurate information they are well equipped to make informed decisions about their child’s education.
- Parents are the most committed advocates for their children.
- The shared experiences of parents and shared values around inclusion are a powerful basis for connection.
- Advocacy is hard work, and is even harder when the stakes are so personal, as the people we love are relying on our advocacy efforts.
- The moral support parents can get through peer support helps them to sustain their advocacy efforts, stay hopeful and to hold on to their vision for their child.
- Peer support builds the individual capacity of parents to advocate for the Inclusive Education of their child. Peer support enables parents to learn together, by sharing their experiences, skills and knowledge. It provides an opportunity for parents to have their thinking challenged in a safe and supportive environment. This increased capacity strengthens parents’ confidence and makes them more effective advocates.
- Peer support amongst parents around inclusive education provides a strong foundation for collective advocacy. Effective peer support networks draw from and strengthen community connection, are a meaningful way for people to contribute to and connect with a larger movement.
Having the support and encouragement of other families who are striving to get the best inclusive education for their kids has been key to my son’s successful inclusion. I now know my child’s rights, his protection under the law and that inclusion in regular school is best for him.”
Deb, mum of an 11 year old with a neurological disability.