SCIO Connect Program
You are not alone. Sometimes all we need is someone who can listen and draw from their own experience as we face a new journey in life. If you or a family member have sustained a spinal cord injury, it's natural to have a lot of questions and experience a range of emotions. We've been there, and are here to help. Our SCIO Connect Peer Program matches people who are newly injured, and their family members, to people who have lived experience with a spinal cord injury, and who understand.
Peer Mentorship for People with SCI
People who’ve ‘been there’ have tons of tips and tricks to share about day-to-day living and can also talk about the emotions associated with sustaining an SCI.
You will be matched with an individual who can share personal experiences to help you gain more confidence as you get more information on both the little details and the big picture of living with a spinal cord injury. The SCIO Connect Peer Mentor will also be able to introduce you to other organizations that can provide you with a wide range of assistance. Our peer mentors meet up with others with SCI in person, by phone, email and video conferencing.
Things you and your Peer Mentor might talk about:
- Family relations
- Self-care
- Accessibility and housing
- Community resources
- Employment opportunities
- Sexuality
- Attitudes
- Transportation
- Parenting
- Relationships
Peer Mentorship for Family Members
If you are a family member of someone who has sustained an SCI, we can arrange for you to meet with a Family Peer Mentor who can relate to your experience and support you through the process and any challenges you’re facing.
Peer Connections Workshops (in-person replaced with virtual events due to COVID-19)
Peer-to-peer experiences and understanding is a vital part of our monthly Peer Connections workshops across the province. We gather online informally, often with an expert speaker and share insights and solutions to issues related to living with a spinal cord injury. It’s fun and fundamentally helpful!
Everyone is welcome to attend each workshop – just let us know to expect you. Our topics and locations vary and are driven by the specific needs of people living with spinal cord injury. Here are some of the workshop topics we’ve hosted recently (and will be coming round again, so don’t worry if you’ve missed one of interest):
- Are you sitting comfortably?
- Bowel & Bladder Care
- Travel
- Adaptive Sports
- Vehicle Modification Fair
- Adaptive Cooking
- Community Reintegration
- Direct Funding Program
- Osteoporosis & Nutrition
- Taxes
We’d love to see you at the next virtual Peer Connections Workshop. Check out our upcoming dates and topics, and register to attend.
View upcoming workshopsConnect with Us!
All Peer Program services are provided free to people in Ontario who are registered as an SCIO community member.
Looking for Peer or Family Peer Mentorship? Or thinking about training to become a valued Peer Mentor?
Call: 416-422-5644
Toll free: 1-877-422-1112
E-mail: [email protected]
Peer Program FAQ
SCIO Connect is supported by our generous sponsors;