Connect students with disabilities to one another 

Being a disabled student can lead to feelings of isolation or exclusion when surrounded by peers perceived as able-bodied and -minded. Implementing peer support groups for disabled students in WIL would give them a chance to meet others with similar lived experiences. This would facilitate students’ ability to support one another and offer them a platform where they can discuss their challenges and learn how others dealt with them. 

Additionally, disabled students may not know of anyone working in their field with a similar disability. Implementing mentorship programs where disabled students are matched with disabled professionals would give them an example of someone who succeeded in similar circumstances. It would also allow the mentor to offer support and advice around navigating their challenges. 

Example tactics: 

• Research: Look into models of peer support in your institution or elsewhere to come up with a plan for implementing these groups. 
• Relationship-building with students: Develop relationships with students to gather their ideas and suggestions for co-designing a support program. 
• Relationship-building with professionals: Do outreach to find disabled healthcare professionals who would be willing to mentor placement students. 

Relevant Organizations:

• Association of Part-Time Undergraduate Students
• Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities
• CommunAbility
• Experiential and Work Integrated Learning Ontario
• Inter-University Disability Issues Association
• National Educational Association of Disabled Students
• Students for Barrier-Free Access
• WILAA Community of Practice
• Able York