Edgewood Middle School Peer Buddy Program

More than just a class… Peer Buddies gain the understanding of what is like to have a disability. Peer Buddies learn sensitivity towards someone with a disability Peer Buddies form a positive relationship with a peer who has a significant disability. Peer Buddies are given the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Peer Buddy Training Each Peer Buddy completes a series of training sessions so he/she is well prepared to work with his/her Buddy. Students are given the opportunity to have open and honest conversations about becoming a Peer Buddy.

Peer Buddy Training Session 1-Documentary Peer Buddies watch a documentary film about young adults living with disabilities. Peer Buddies get the opportunity to see what similarities they have to those in the video. Peer Buddies participate in thoughtful discussion about what they currently know about people with disabilities.

Peer Buddy Training Session 2-Disability Research Peer Buddies research information on different disabilities. Peer Buddies share with each other the important information they found on the disability they researched. The Peer Buddies learn about specific characteristics and strategies they can use when working with a buddy.

Peer Buddy Training Session 3-Sensitivity Experiments Peer Buddies participate in a series of sensitivity experiments. Peer Buddies gain an understanding of what it is like to have a disability. Peer Buddies face similar challenges of their Buddies, allowing for them to learn how to help their buddy.

Sensitivity Experiments Following Directions: -Peer Buddies have to follow a series of simple directions; however, directions are presented quickly and without visuals. Letter Puzzles: -Peer Buddies are given a worksheet containing complicated letter puzzles and are asked to complete the worksheet in a certain amount of time without clear directions.

Sensitivity Experiments Continued… Passage Reading: -Peer Buddies are given a paragraph to read and asked to answer questions following the paragraph. The paragraph is written with letters reversed and omitted without any spacing between words. Mirror Writing: -Peer Buddies are asked to write their name on a piece of paper while looking at their reflection in the mirror.

More Sensitivity Experiments… Blindfold Game: -Peer Buddies take turns being blindfolded and completing a task created by their peers. Change in Routine: -Peer Buddies are asked to “walk” their schedule; however, there are changes made to their normal schedule. They are asked to follow their schedule in a certain amount of time, and are not allowed to write their schedule down.

Some More Sensitivity Experiments… Get Off the Floor: -Peer Buddies are asked to get off the floor from a lying position. They are not allowed to use their head or neck muscles to assist them with getting off the floor. Sound Off: -Peer Buddies watch a short movie clip with the sound off. They are asked to follow the plot and determine what genre of movie they are watching.

Peer Buddy Training Session 4-Scenarios Peer Buddies discuss a series of “possible scenarios” that they may encounter with their Buddy. Together, the Peer Buddies practice problem solving skills and determine how to help their Buddy in the given scenarios.

Peer Buddy Training Session 5-Classroom Observation Peer Buddies are assigned a Buddy/Buddies to work with. Peer Buddies observe the class of their Buddy. This may be an academic class or another Creative Arts class. Peer Buddies make notes about the structure of the class to help them prepare for working with their Buddy.

Peer Buddy Responsibilities Once assigned to a Buddy, Peer Buddies work directly with their Buddy to assist with school work and socialization. Peer Buddies are required to complete five reflective journals throughout their experience.

Peer Buddy Discussion Days Throughout the semester, the Peer Buddies meet as a large group to share their successes and challenges. The Peer Buddies have an opportunity to problem-solve through any challenges they may be experiencing.

Why Do Student Choose to Become Peer Buddies? Becoming Friends Understanding that we’re all different. Doing things together. Dedicated to doing the right thing. You can make a difference!