A Peer Support Approach to Evaluation: Assessing Supported Employment Programs for People with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Abstract: This article describes a peer support approach to evaluating outcomes within supported employment programs for people with developmental disabilities. Based on a model developed with seven agencies, peer support evaluation draws on insights from both internal and external evaluation. Each of the components of peer support evaluation is outlined. A case study of one agency’s experience with peer support evaluation is described. The article concludes with several lessons drawn from implementation experience with several agencies, including the importance of training and support.