Strategy 1: Give assurance to the peer researcher

You have a special understanding of what the peer researchers on your team might be thinking and feeling. That's because you are both people with disabilities working on a research team. You can help your peers feel more confident by giving them assurance.

Assurance is when you share positive comments to put someone at ease or to give them confidence.

Watch this video about giving assurance:

There are many things you can say or do to “assure” someone. Assure means to make a positive comment to help people feel confident.

You could say:

• It’s ok
• Try your best
• Is there something else you want to try instead, that would be easier?
• I can help explain this to you
• Keep trying
• We can keep working hard to get help from each other
• Don’t give up right away
• Push yourself - it’s a challenge
• I know you can do it
• Try to move forward to reach the stars
• You are trying new things
• The sky's the limit

Go to the next page learn how to validate the peer researcher's feelings and experiences.

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