Motivation believes appropriate mobility equipment is a fundamental human right and can be a catalyst for people to access other basic rights such as education, employment, access and participation in the community. However, for many people with a mobility disability, provision of a wheelchair is only one step on the path.

Peer Group Training can assist in meeting some of the other needs of wheelchair users including wheelchair mobility skills, information and advice on maintaining health, building confidence and self esteem.

Wheelchair skills: To be mobile wheelchair users require skills in getting in and out of their wheelchair, and overcoming obstacles such as uneven ground, slopes and steps. This is particularly relevant in countries where there are many physical barriers. Wheelchair mobility is often taught through rehabilitation services – however the vast majority of people with mobility disabilities in low-income countries do not have access to rehabilitation services, and therefore often do not have these skills.

Health: In order to benefit from the mobility provided by a wheelchair, wheelchair users require knowledge and skills in maintaining their health. This is particularly true for people who have a spinal cord injury (SCI), as there are added health complications related to this disability. In low income countries, many people with an SCI die from preventable health complications within two years of receiving their injury. Two of the main health issues are pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections. However, information, advice and basic preventative skills can prevent fatalities.

Self esteem: Many people with a disability face low self esteem. In a low income country, where there are limited rehabilitation services, and many additional challenges, low self esteem is an enormous issue for people with a disability. Often disabled people lack the confidence necessary to make effective use of a wheelchair as the vehicle to independence that it has the potential to be.

What is Peer Group Training?

Peer Group Training is peer to peer training amongst wheelchair users in mobility, health-related issues and independent living skills. Peer Group Training is provided by experienced, healthy and active wheelchair users who pass on skills, information and advice to others who have recently become disabled or who have not had access to rehabilitation services.

Motivation has witnessed the very positive impact on the lives of people with mobility disabilities as a result of Peer Group Training. We have seen an increase in survival rates of people with an SCI, reduced re-admittance to hospital for health complications, and improved integration into society.

Peer Group Training includes:

• Wheelchair mobility skills - practical skills training to enable people to increase their ability to move as independently as they are able
• Disability awareness – including the provision of information about disabilities and discussion and awareness raising of the rights of people with a disability,
• Health education - addressing in particular the needs of people with a spinal cord injury
• Sexuality - including relationships, sexual health, HIV/AIDS information and sexual function
• Sport – an introduction to wheelchair sports such as basketball and tennis

How are PGT Programmes organised?

Motivation works closely with our programme partners to identify the most appropriate way to utilise Peer Group Training. Many of our Peer Group Training programmes are run through residential camps, attended by up to 20 wheelchair users, with or without their family members, and run by experienced Peer Group Trainers. In other programmes Peer Group Trainers are employed through wheelchair services, or supported by Disabled People’s Organisations. These trainers provide one to one Peer Group Training and group sessions at regular intervals.

Training Peer Group Trainers

The strength of PGT is the fact that the trainers themselves are wheelchair users. Participants are able to see exactly what it is possible to achieve by someone in their own position. Peer group trainers act as role models and mentors for people with a similar disability. In order to support the development of Peer Group Training, Motivation has developed a range of tools to support the training of national Peer Group Trainers.

Download the Peer Group Training Summary (141kb)