Disabled Peer Mentorship Program

Amount Awarded: $15,000.00 

Academic Year: 2024-2025

Implementation: Active, Winter 2025 – Summer 2025 

This program through the Disability Outreach Center (DOC) provides first year, transfer, and recently self-identified* or newly disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, Blind and low vision, d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing students at WWU with individual mentorship from upper-level disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, Blind and low vision, d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing peers to increase the retention, success, and wellness of mentees and develop mentors as leaders.

*Recently self-identified meaning an individual has recently come to understand oneself as being disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, Blind and low vision, d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing even though they may have had these experiences previously or on an on-going basis.

Mentors help mentees transition to college life while providing academic, social, and personal connections and support. The mentors offer guidance and encouragement and answer questions about WWU student life, services, and resources. Mentors will also participate in student and professional leadership development where they will learn to provide guidance, develop ongoing relationships, and offer information about resources and student life to their mentees.