Peer Ally Program
The Peer Ally program was designed to develop and nurture genuine relationships between
students with ID and their same-aged peers without disabilities following the research
in this area (e.g., Brock & Huber, 2017; Carter et al., 2015; Test et al., 2009).
UNT students will be paired with ELEVAR students based on similar career goals or
life interests. The peer ally roles will be diverse in nature, whether building a
natural friendship, supporting them as classmates, or as co-workers, and will be voluntary
or part of a service-learning component.
Peer Ally?
Peer allies are same-age peers for social or academic support within the UNT campus
program. Peer allies are UNT students (same-aged peers) in undergraduate programs
that engage and collaborate with UNT ELEVAR students in various ways. Together, UNT
ELEVAR students and peer allies create inclusive experiences with positive opportunities
learning and personal growth for each other. These allies are given the opportunity
to engage and exchange experiences by collaborating alongside UNT ELEVAR students
by:
- Accompanying them to class
- Introduce them to other university peers/friends
- Participate in university-sponsored events and gatherings
- Assisting them to integrate into the university community through an inclusive model
- Provide other types of support and experiences in a social manner
- Other social or academic experiences
More specifically, peer allies and UNT ELEVAR students will navigate the college experiences,
both socially and academically, as peers, to develop independence, socialization,
and attain career and life goals.
Sign Up To a Peer Ally
Volunteer & Service Learning (coming soon)
Description Volunteer, intern, or complete your service learning with the UNT ELEVAR
program. More information on the various student roles and supports needed will be
posted soon. You can also reach out to us via email at elevar@unt.edu
Community Advocacy (coming soon)
We will provide various opportunities for the community, outside UNT and UNT ELEVAR,
to continue advocating for our students and our program. For example, sharing information
about UNT ELEVAR with schools, families, students or advocating to the Texas and Federal
legislature to expand supports and funding for inclusive post-secondary education
programs.
More information will be available soon!!